The Thanda Arts Organisation is an inspiring youth-driven initiative in Khayelitsha, South Africa. In December 2023, I had the privilege of visiting the choir members and their beautiful community.

Despite the daily struggles of township life - crime, unemployment, and generational trauma - they embody and radiate hope, resilience, and joy. 

Thanda Choir is a beacon of hope!

They have seen firsthand how music nurtures talent, builds confidence, and fosters a sense of belonging. Yet, their greatest challenge remains:
The lack of a safe, permanent space to practice, learn, and grow.

Their music, dance, vibrant energy, and unwavering spirit moved me deeply.
​It was a life-changing experience, and I knew I had to take action.

Your donation will help us build a a much-needed rehearsal space and safe home - a cultural hub for the entire community, where these young artists can create, grow, and transform their lives, while empowering future generations through music education and mentorship programs. 

Let's Make a Life-Changing Impact Together

100% of your donation goes directly to Thanda Choir.
• dōTERRA covers all associated fees
• The dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation is a registered charity in the United States of America.
Our project has been accepted for a matching grant from the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation!

​They will match every dollar we raise in this post-race fundraising campaign,
​- up to $10,000 - doubling the impact of your donation!
​
Every contribution brings us closer to making this dream a reality.
Thank you for your support!

About Me & Our Mission

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Hello, my name is Ryoko, I am the founder of the Align Your Spine, Align Your Life Program. and a doTERRA Wellness Advocate and Educator. I am beyond thrilled to be taking on one of the most joyful and meaningful mission of my life:
building a safe home for Thanda Choir.

​On March 9, 2025, I not only completed, but also led the #1 top-ranked fundraiser out of 244 charity riders for the 109 km Cape Town Cycle Tour in South Africa!
(That's 68 miles with a total elevation gain of around 4,000 feet!).

​Our charity cycling team, Thanda United, is a powerful collaboration between Thanda Choir members and the DMB Fit Crew (a fitness-focused philanthropy group), working together to uplift and support the incredible young artists of Thanda Choir.

Thanks to our collective efforts, we have already raised over $30,000 through the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2025 - yet, we still have more to go to reach our $50,000 goal of building their rehearsal home!!!

Join Us in Making a Difference!

​To raise awareness and funds for Thanda Choir, I took on a challenge far beyond my comfort zone:  participating in the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

This journey has required me to overcome both physical and emotional fears. I had never done anything like this before, but my heart said "yes" - and that YES continues to fuel my determination to help make this dream a reality.
​
Together, we can build a "home" where these talented young artists can thrive, dream bigger, and inspire future generations - both within their community and around the world - through the transformative power of music and art. Already, the younger children in their community are following in their footsteps.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us close to this goal.

Thank you for being part of this life-changing mission!

Let’s pedal with purpose and create a brighter future - one note, one step, one ride at a time.

With love & heartfelt gratitude,
Ryoko

OUR STORY

In December 2023, Thanda Choir courageously opened for Dave Matthews Band in Cape Town. The next day, we were invited to visit Khayelitsha, one of South Africa’s largest townships, where I had the privilege of meeting the vibrant and talented young artists and experiencing their beautiful community firsthand.

Their music, dance, and unwavering spirit moved me so deeply. Despite the immense challenges of township life - crime, unemployment, and generational trauma - they embody and radiate hope, resilience, and joy.

​We also learned that their choir's name, 
​Thanda, means "love."
​
When I asked what they needed most, their response was simple yet urgent: 
​a safe space to gather, rehearse, and nurture their talents.

Their words stayed with me, and I knew I had to take action. I reached out to the DMB Fit Crew board members, and together, we launched this mission to create lasting impact. I am profoundly grateful for their enthusiastic “yes," the constant inspiration of the DMB Fit community, and the strong backing of Dave Matthews Band’s Bama Works Fund. 
To learn more about my spine-centric holistic modalities, transformational coaching, Align Your Spine Yoga classes, Full Moon Breathwork Journeys, emotional healing with essential oils, visit www.RyokoSuzuki.com