Yoga is an activity that brings joy to many peoples’ lives — as does being outdoors and helping raise money for charitable causes — so the idea to bring the three together wasn’t much of a stretch for Karina Ek, owner of Flourish Yoga.

For the past month, Ek has hosted Yoga classes from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Volunteer Park in Lakeside.

“I really absolutely love to do Yoga outside,” Ek said.

That passion sparked the idea for these classes when Ek saw the creation of Volunteer Park prior to opening her studio across the street. So she set a goal for herself to host classes in the park, and then figured she could raise money for the park while she was at it.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Ek said. “Students are really receptive of it.”

Participants aren’t charged for the classes, but donations are encouraged. Ek said about a half a dozen people have attend each one of the sessions and they’ve raised about $200.

“I’m pretty happy with it,” Ek said. “It’s sufficient for a small town. It has a good energy to it and people like it.”

Ek’s final class is Aug. 3. For more information contact her at 212-1958.