Nov 28, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Melissa Mancini

WHITBY -- On the first day of December, Durham residents can give themselves the gift of health and attend a free wellness class.

And then for the 11 days to follow, residents can continue to participate in free seminars and exercise classes in exchange for a can of food or toiletry item for Feed the Need Durham.

It's all part of the 12 Days of Wellness, a series of free classes residents can take which includes classes such as pilates and workshop topics such as healthy Christmas diets. The classes for food drive starts Dec. 1.

The holidays are a stressful time, so residents can take advantage of seminars designed to help them relax throughout the season, said organizer Melissa Underwood.

Ms. Underwood owns pilates studio Mindful Balance. When she heard that Feed the Durham was low on donations for its food bank this year, she decided she wanted to help.

"I think it is really good because a lot of different businesses could get involved with this," she said.

Participants must take a perishable item to each class or seminar.

The free offerings include yoga, Wee Wigglers, H.E.A.T (High Endurance Athletic Training) with Oshawa Generals strength and conditioning coach Mark Fitzgerald, Surviving Seasonal Stress with Aqua Vitalis and Healthy Back with Optimal Life Chiropractic.

Ms. Underwood will also have giveaways from local businesses like 3 Steps Up Coffee House, Weddings by Jenell, Fundamental Fitness, My Bubble Party and Playplace, Papillon Salon and Spa and Musigo Kids.

Ms. Underwood said she hopes the food drive with a twist will bring in pails of food for Feed the Need. She intends to keep collecting into the new year and if all goes well, she'd like to do another food drive once the warmer weather comes, because there is need in every season, she said.

People interested in participating can go to www.mindful-balance.com and click on the 12 days of wellness tab to download the free class schedule. For more information, e-mail info@mindful-balance.com or call 289-385-2822.