‘Feel Good, Do Good’ yoga series to benefit PT ReCyclery

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After its online debut in April, the monthly “Feel Good, Do Good” yoga program will continue in May, with an online class on May 4 to benefit the PT ReCyclery, Port Townsend’s nonprofit bicycle shop.

The class, hosted by Madrona MindBody Institute yoga teacher Leslie Shipley, runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is designed for all levels, including new-to-yoga participants.

Liz Revord, executive director of the ReCyclery, expressed the shop’s collective gratitude at being a beneficiary of the “Feel Good, Do Good” series.

“We’ve been very fortunate, as an essential business providing transportation, to be able to continue serving our community,” Revord said. “With that being said, we have the same expenses as any other business, including utilities, lights and heat. We’ve done everything to keep our staff at the same hours, but it’s taken some creative scheduling to keep each workstation safe and following social distancing protocol. We try our best to pay our mechanics and staff living wages, especially in these times.”

When Washington implemented social distancing, the “Feel Good, Do Good” yoga program was moved to an online platform, which Renee Klein, one of its coordinators and instructors, credited with raising $850 for Olympic Neighbors in April.

“There were 22 online participants and we raised more than we’ve ever done in person,” Klein said. “This is such uncharted territory, it’s hard to know how many people will come or how much we’ll raise.”

Klein said the ReCyclery has been a beneficiary of “Feel Good, Do Good” before, during May in each of the three years the yoga program has run, to sync up with National Bike Month.

And this year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, which Klein sees as fitting for a sustainable and healthy avenue of transportation such as biking.

Klein and Revord emphasized that it’s simple and rewarding to take part.

“We provide detailed enough instructions that even the tech-phobic have found it easy,” Klein said. “Also, the classes aren’t just for people who are long-time yogis and yoginis. They’ll find plenty of gentle stretches, mindful breathing and relaxation.”

“They can go on our website, at feelgooddogood.org, and make donations in any amount,” Revord said. “If they put the word ‘YOGA’ in the donation ‘for’ or ‘in honor of’ line, we’ll send them a link to the class.”

Other ways to donate include calling 360-643-1755 or visiting the ReCyclery at 1925 Blaine St. from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, although prospective participants should specify funds are for the yoga benefit to receive the class link.

“There’s no minimum donation, so people should feel free to donate whatever they can,” Klein said.

In addition to financial donations, Revord said the ReCyclery could use donations of bikes in good condition that could be refurbished for others.

“We also need lumber and building supplies to protect bicycles and bike parts from exposure to the elements,” Revord said. “If we could raise $1,000, we could find a simple solution for covering, and that would be incredibly helpful.”

The ReCyclery plans a membership drive later this summer to help install running water at its facility for the first time.

Memberships in the ReCyclery start at $15 per student, $25 per adult, $50 per family and $500 per business of up to 100 employees. Family memberships include two free kids’ bikes.

In the meantime, would-be supporters of the ReCyclery can get involved in the “Feed Good, Do Good yoga program on May 4 by visiting feelgooddogood.org.

For more information, call 206-920-0343 or email info@FeelGoodDoGood.org.