The Sanctuary in New Zealand was established by Shawn Bishop and Michael Dixon to provide a loving home for rescued animals and injured wildlife. On this 32-acre property in the hills of Matakana, north of Auckland, Shawn and Michael look after donkeys, goats, pigs and ex-battery chickens, as well as have a special interest in caring for native birds that are injured or orphaned. The birds are support-fed until they successfully establish themselves back into their natural habitat, which is the aim of The Sanctuary. The couple also runs a vegetarian bed and breakfast on the property that is ideal for animal lovers and helps to raise funds for these loving creatures.

Receipt by the Shawn Bishop for the US$10,000 from Master

To thank Shawn and Michael for creating a safe place for our precious co-inhabitants, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent a letter of appreciation to them. In addition, a US$10,000 gift from Master was presented by our Association members to Shawn at the Sanctuary to further the work she and Michael carry out, helping, rehabilitating and re-homing animals in need. Shawn was overwhelmed by Master’s generosity and wrote a touching letter in return. The following is a portion of her letter:

 

Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai, and the International Association, July 2009 I am writing to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful, delightful, unexpected support!! When the package you sent to us arrived, the first thing I saw was the books and DVDs. I thought, “What a lovely surprise.” Then I read the letters from Supreme Master Ching Hai and from the International Association, and for a moment the world stood still.  I experienced such a rush of emotions that I would find it difficult to put into words: joy, relief, disbelief, and gratitude all vied for dominance. I think Joy won . . . and then I sat down and had a good long cry! I just don’t know how to tell you how much your support means to us, to the work we do, and to me personally. I honestly feel as though someone has lifted a weight from my shoulders. For the next year at least, I can concentrate on caring for and loving the animals under our protection, without the constant worry of how to manage financially. That makes a HUGE difference to me on so many levels: practically, emotionally, and spiritually. How can I thank you for such a blessing? As much as I appreciate the financial assistance, of equal importance to me was the knowledge that someone else truly understood and appreciated what we do with and for the injured and orphaned birds and abused animals. It is such a privilege to be able to help them, and to share our lives with them. To have our efforts acknowledged and honoured in such a way touched me incredibly deeply. I now carry the feeling of loving support that you have provided, in place of where the weight and worry used to be. Thank you so much for making that difference. I promise you that every cent of your generous donation will be used to the best possible advantage for the beautiful beings we care for.  You have given us the greatest of gifts—love, acknowledgement, and support. These gifts have lifted our hearts and our spirits, and on behalf of my husband, myself and all the animals at our Sanctuary, I thank you. Most Sincerely, Shawn Bishop The Animal Sanctuary

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