Statesboro can now add “kitten yoga” to its list of fun activities. Fixing the Boro brought a few of its younger feline friends to frolic with attendees at a yoga class held on Wednesday, June 14th. Trinity Episcopal Church hosted two 30-minute sessions, one led by Jessica Keeley and the other by Mel Sparrow.
Keeley began taking yoga at Trinity Episcopal Church several years ago with Fred Richter, who has been teaching there for 25 years. About a year ago, she became a yoga instructor as well.
Keeley and Richter take turns leading a weekly, donations-based yoga class on Mondays at 4:30pm, and give whatever proceeds they get to local charities.
“Any donations that our yogis give us, we give back to the community,” Keeley says.
One day, when Keeley went to drop off the class donations to Fixing the Boro, a volunteer had an idea.
“One of their brilliant volunteers said, ‘Hey, don’t you want to do some kitten yoga?’ and I said, ‘Of course I want to do some kitten yoga!’" Keeley explains. Her involvement with the organization is one that is close to Keeley’s heart, as many of her own cats came from there. After this brief conversation, the plan for kitten yoga was set in motion.
Volunteers played with cats as others practiced poses on the mats. There was plenty of laughter as the kittens raced by on their way toward a toy, the piano, or a new friend. As the first class exited, attendees had smiles and nothing but praise for the first kitten yoga class. Amy Hackney and her daughter, Isla, had a memorable experience.
Amy commented, “I think everyone who participated in kitten yoga left happier than when they arrived. It was a great opportunity to support Fixing the Boro. Everyone needs some kittens and yoga in their life!” When asked what she thought, Isla said, “It was just amazing!”
Sarah Roehm, one of the founders of Fixing the Boro, was pleased with the turnout.
“This was our first time doing kitten yoga, so we didn’t know what to expect and it was a blast,” she said. When asked if this was just the first class of many, Roehm replied, “If Trinity will host us, we will be here. The easy part is showing up with kittens!”
The inaugural kitten yoga event was not only fun but also a huge boost for Fixing the Boro, as it raised $500 for the organization and the pets in its care!
Keeley wants to invite anyone interested in yoga to attend the Monday night class -- and to be on the lookout for more opportunities to interact with friendly, four-legged pals.
“I think it has been very successful, so I suspect there will be some more kitten yoga and perhaps puppy yoga," she said. "Keep your eyes open for more yoga for good causes.”
