Letter of Appreciation

From Pole to Soul!

By Dublin News Group, Ireland (Originally in English)

Mr. Richard Donovan (right)

On June 21, 2009 (Golden Year 6), our Association members had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Richard Donovan, on of the world’s greatest long-distance runners, who has also brought much light, brightness, and inspirational love to many lives worldwide. Richard, from Ireland, has many truly astonishing credits to his name, including winning the first ever Antarctic Marathon in 2002, running the first ever North Pole Marathon, setting world records for treadmill running, completing the first ever 100-kilometre run in Antarctica, winning the Everest Marathon, the Inca Trail Marathon, the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race, holding the record for running the full length of Britain and Ireland, and many more.

The phenomenal runner uses many of his extreme challenges to raise money for charities and to draw attention to international humanitarian emergencies. Earlier this year, Richard completed the World Marathon Challenge—running a marathon for a total of 295 kilometers on all seven continents in under five and a half days, sleeping in aircraft economy class seats, and traveling alone. These marathons included an Antarctic marathon, a desert marathon, and running through thick snow in the London Marathon. The funds raised by Richard in this activity were given to GOAL, a non-denominational, international, humanitarian agency headquartered in Ireland, to assist their work in Darfur, Sudan.
Thank you letter from GOAL for the €15,000 contribution by Master

Our Association members were delighted to present the heroic Mr. Donovan with a Letter of Appreciation from Supreme Master Ching Hai, along with a financial contribution from Master of €15,000 towards GOAL’s charitable, humanitarian activities. In addition, the generous and kind-hearted Mr. Donovan was presented with a vegan hamper that included fresh fruits, vegan chocolates, gifts, and Supreme Master Ching Hai’s beautiful books including the glorious Celestial Art, all of which Mr. Donovan received with heartfelt thanks and gracious appreciation. Mr. Ronan Scully, a GOAL representative expressed via an email message his sincere gratitude for Master’s contribution, adding that the funding will be of enormous value to GOAL’s humanitarian work.

We applaud you, Richard Donovan, for inspiring us all through your legendary efforts to achieve what seems impossible. We also thank GOAL for its consistent lifesaving, poverty-alleviating, and earth-enhancing work. May Heaven continue to bless both with the Infinite Love of selfless giving.

Reference: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/4530509/Irishman-runs-seven-marathons-on-seven-continents-in-five-days.html
http://www.goal.ie/