Shining World Compassion Award Recipient: Animal Defenders International – Leading the Way to Positive Change

Animal Defenders International (ADI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for justice, long-term protection, and alleviation of suffering for living beings used in entertainment, research experiments, fashion, livestock raising, and other industries. Founded in 1990 by Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips, ADI takes a holistic approach to advocacy, investigating and gathering evidence, conducting scientific and economic research, raising awareness through education, and advising legal protection for animal-people.

“Our kind of modus operandi is quite unique really, in that we will take an issue from finding out the first things about it, going undercover, exposing it, all the way through to getting legislation. Like Jan says, the core of it is giving people the facts, letting them make their own mind up, giving them the evidence, whether that's our videos of animal abuse behind the scenes, or whether it's scientific research and economic papers, we present that to the public. We then present it to politicians.” “I think the ADI Stop Circus Suffering campaign will be seen as one of the landmarks in animal rights history because there's now almost 50 countries [that] have banned the abuse of animals in circuses.”

As animal-people-loving vegans, they leave us with empowering words on how everyone of us can make a positive change in the world. “My best advice to anyone who cares about animals as a species, the environment, is to take action today.”

With appreciation for their altruistic and life-saving work, our gracious Supreme Master Ching Hai thankfully presented the Shining World Compassion Award to ADI, plus a humble contribution of US$20,000, as a token of support. “For your exceptional management, untiring unconditional love and exemplary activism, wisdom and munificence, with all love, high salute and warm gratitude, we are privileged to acclaim the great compassionate deeds of Animal Defenders International. May you and all involved be forever shielded in Heaven’s light. With Immense Honor and Blessings in God’s Boundless Love Supreme Master Ching Hai”