Phuket Lifestyle: Saddle sore; Meditate for charity

Saddle sore but satisfied
PHUKET: On January 28 local expat James Mason left Tiger Muay Thai camp in Chalong (one of his main sponsors) to cycle 890 kilometers to Rainbow House, a home for disabled or abandoned children, in Bangkok.

James, who used to weigh 235 kilos, was given five years to live by a doctor in the UK until joining Tiger Muay Thai and MMA, where he lost 138 kilos.

The 29-year-old lost a few more kilos during his grueling nine day ride to the capital, which he undertook to give something back. The charity he has chosen, called ‘For Life’, helps disabled or abandoned children in Thailand and supports four day-care centers, a residential home for up to 50 children and a project that works with 600 children in rural communities.

James was able to raise 18,052 Pounds Sterling online and 84, 000 baht in cash, which he handed over in Nonthaburi after his epic bike-a-thon.

Despite suffering from an allergic reaction en-route and losing sensation in his hand from the strain of cycling, James is already planning his next adventure.

This event was proudly sponsored by the Phuket Gazette and PGTV.

Meditate for charity
PHUKET: Local meditation coach Tobi Warzineck offers free meditation classes at his center in Chalong. Despite it being free, the people who come to learn normally leave a small donation to cover electricity, water, and drinking water.

This gave Tobias an idea. “Instead of keeping their money, we donate it to Thai organizations who help people, children, animals, educational foundations, abused women” Tobias told the Phuket Gazette.

“We started with the PAWS animal welfare society in January and when we open again in March the donations will go to the Elephant Nature Foundation, which helps elephants in Southeast Asia.” he said

Donations are accepted from everywhere, not just the classes. Their goal is to raise as much money as possible and offer it directly to foundations, provided they can prove where the money goes.

“It makes us feel incredibly happy to be able to help people with our classes where we already find peace and happiness.That we can help animals and people is a great bonus. This principle is based on the merit of giving (Dana). We see a lot of merit in offering the money to places where it is invested in counteracting acute suffering directly. We feel that it is best to use the money of our students and guests in a way that creates more and more happiness. It’s a small contribution but a great impact. If we all could do something like this by doing what we love, the world will become a better, more balanced place. I am sure.” he added.

Something to meditate upon.

For more information on meditation or to make donations, visit phuketmeditation.com.