Shining World Hero and Compassion Award Recipient: Philip Wollen (vegan) – A Champion of Noble Causes

Mr. Philip Wollen, award-winning philanthropist, animal rights activist and founder of Winsome Constance Kindness Trust, is described by his admirers as a legend, a hero, a visionary, an angel, and a saint.

As a former Vice President of Citibank, Mr. Wollen was used to living a life of comfort with financial success, status and power. He was listed as one of Australia’s top 40 “The Brightest and Best” executives rated by Australian Business Magazine. At the age of 40, however, after witnessing the abhorrent cruelty against animals on a colossal scale, Mr. Wollen decided to turn vegan and gave away 90% of his capital along with his executive status to protect the animals, the powerless, and the environment.

"In human history, only 100 billion human beings have ever lived. 7 billion people are alive today. And we humans torture and kill 2 billion sentient, living, loving animals every week. This is a crime of unimaginable proportions. So, when people commend me for going vegan, it is such a blinding glimpse of the obvious, when one sees the facts there is no other decision to make. My deepest and profound regret is that I didn't do it sooner."

Through their global initiative, Winsome Constance Kindness Trust, Mr. Wollen and his wife Trix took on the new mission of promoting kindness towards all other living beings. After years of effort, Kindness Trust is now supporting more than 500 worthy humanitarian projects in over 40 countries, including nearly200 animal sanctuaries and rescues.

With much admiration, Supreme Master Ching Hai respectfully presented Mr. Philip and Mrs. Trix Wollen with the Shining World Hero and Compassion Award, “with all gratitude, love and blessing, in God’s grace.” ”Wisely, you search for and encourage leaders of integrity to stand-up for social justice, to be role models inspiring a movement where all of Earth’s co-inhabitants can live in harmony, with dignity, equality and freedom. May you live long in happiness and vigour to continue with your saintly, lofty goals in God's Loving protection."