Manduka Announces project:OM 2018 Initiatives, Benefiting Susan G. Komen®

Manduka and Susan G. Komen share a common belief that women and men, old and young, all deserve access to a healthy lifestyle. Studies even suggest regular exercise can lower breast cancer risk by about 10 to 20 percent. The two companies have come together again to not only spread that message, but to invite everyone (and their "one more") to take the first step in actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle by reaping the benefits of practicing yoga – in and out of class – for years to come.

"This year's project:OM will encourage more people to share the benefits of yoga with their family, friends, and colleagues, inviting people to join us at our partner yoga studios and at our events," says Manduka President Cathy Quain. "By sharing this inclusive practice, we can inspire more participation in yoga. At Manduka we believe that when people practice yoga they not only gain the physical benefit of personal health but also gain the many benefits of yoga 'beyond the mat' that make us stronger, confident, mindful, courageous, and more considerate of others, thus expanding the conversation about how yoga can make a difference in our own lives – and, on a larger scale, contribute to the wellbeing of the world."

Manduka's project:OM program for 2018 consists of a series of classes, events and other activities that will take place in thousands of community studios and in public gathering places, complemented by exclusive product collaborations with the goal of raising funds in support of Susan G. Komen's Bold Goal to reduce the current number of U.S. breast cancer deaths by 50% by 2026.

First up in the series of initiatives is the limited edition Manduka + David Allen collaboration. Manduka has partnered with mastectomy tattoo artist, David Allen, to create unique artwork for two of their core products – a Yogitoes towel and an eQua yoga mat, which David has designed in his signature floral motif, similar to the floral tattoos he creates to cover mastectomy scars. The Yogitoes towel will be sold at a premium retail price of $100 and the eQua mat will be sold for $150.  Both products are now available on Manduka.com and 100% of the net profits of each item sold will benefit Komen*.

In early fall, Manduka will be hosting a series of additional events for "project: One More". Manduka's yoga studio partners across the country will be hosting in-studio events to support project:OM and benefit Komen, many in partnership with one of Komen's 70 Affiliates nationwide.

Additionally, at the beginning of this fall, Manduka will host a donation-based wellness summit in Los Angeles, with yoga classes and programming to benefit Komen.

"Komen is excited to again be partnering with Manduka and inviting everyone impacted by breast cancer – passionate yogis and beginners alike – to be a part of this fight," said Paula Schneider, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen. "We've made significant progress, but still more than 40,000 people die of breast cancer every year in the U.S. It is unacceptable, and we are grateful to have partners like Manduka that give each of us an opportunity to get involved and help change that number."

To participate in this epic movement and sign up for a local project:OM yoga event or purchase exclusive product, visit Manduka.com. Additionally, share your project:OM story and listen to others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, using the hashtag #projectom.

About Manduka: 
For more than 20 years, Manduka has built a reputation as the world's most respected yoga brand. Known for its legendary PRO Mat, Manduka creates high performance yoga mats, yoga towels, bags, props, and men's and women's fitness apparel. Designed by yogis and trusted by teachers worldwide, carefully selected and sustainable materials are paired with thoughtful design to create innovative products that allow a community of 4,000+ yoga studios, 900+ yoga ambassadors and over three million customers across the planet to explore and deepen their yoga practice.

About Susan G. Komen:
Susan G. Komen is the world's largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside of the federal government while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $956 million in research and provided more than $2.1 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 60 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life. That promise has become Komen's promise to all people facing breast cancer. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social.

*Manduka will donate 100% of net profits to Susan G. Komen for each limited edition Manduka + David Allen sold (at least $75 for the yogitoes towel and at least $100 for the eQua mat). From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019, Manduka, with help from supporters like you, is guaranteeing a minimum donation of $400,000 to Komen in connection with its various project:OM fundraising promotions and initiatives.

SOURCE Manduka