The Logical Soul » Charity

A Passion for Compassion

Michael Craig — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:06:20 +0000

My sister Page loves animals. Our childhood was often filled with the usual dogs and cats, but also accessorized with the more unusual critters like chickens, hamsters, turtles, tadpoles, frogs, guinea pigs and horses.

Recently, Page became a foster parent for homeless dogs, and wanted to share her passion for this cause with those who might feel the urge to open their hearts and home to a needy animal. Her video is below.

I realize there are lots of worthy causes out there; so get involved in one close to your heart. Develop a Passion for Compassion and you will discover a happier life. Once it blossoms, you will then be able to spread this joy of living and giving to other areas of your life!

Twelve Miles on a Unicycle

Michael Craig — Fri, 14 May 2010 21:21:47 +0000

I broke my personal record today, pedaling my unicycle 0ver 12 miles (12.1 to be exact)! I’d say that’s not bad for a 57-year old guy who just started back riding about a year ago. My goal, however, is to be able to go at least 50 miles a day without my body falling apart.

The reason I’m doing this slightly-offbeat thing is two-fold:

1. I love and need the exercise and hate going to the gym, and
2. I’m training to ride this summer for Bruce & Susan Keenan’s charity – sending orphan Nepalese kids to school.

If anyone wants to sponsor my ride, please contact Bruce Keenan and say you’d like to be a sponsor of the Unicycle Ride for the Keenan’s Kids. Or you can make a donation at www.HimalayanCharities.com.

Meanwhile I’m still looking for the right venue for my ride. Suggestions?

Meeting with Bruce Keenan re: Orphan Charity

Michael Craig — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:56:36 +0000

Bruce Keenan

I had a great meeting this morning at the Norcross IHOP with Bruce Keenan, founder and director of the Himalayan Children’s Charities.

Bruce just got back from Nepal where he set up a trekking company to raise money for the orphan children of that isolated and depressed area. He and his wife Susan are also holding a fundraiser in Atlanta on November 14th and hope to attract a good crowd.

Bruce told me his trekking company is the only one in that area truly set up for – and dedicated to – a specific charity. I’m looking to attract a bevy of unicyclists to ride the Cherohala Skyway in April, 2010 to raise money. If you ride a unicycle and want to participate, know any movers or shakers who would like to help . . . or just want to donate a few bucks to a great cause, contact me or Bruce at our respective websites or blogs.

Also appreciate any comments you might have!

Himayalan Charities Unicycle Ride Planned

Michael Craig — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:42:15 +0000

Michael Craig on Unicycle

I made the bold claim back in April of this year that I would be the first one to traverse the 43-mile Cherohala Skyway across the TN-NC mountains on a unicycle. Blind ambition led me to fantasize about how wonderful that was going to be, and how nice the views, etc., etc..

What I didn’t count on were the multiple problems that would arise from such an undertaking. You see, unlike a bicycle, most unicycle riders (at least the ones I know) can’t “coast” down a hill. Downhill riding on one wheel is a scary proposition requiring a massive effort to put pressure to almost back-pedal in order to prevent an out-of-control lunge forward. I would have to invest in some hand brakes for the wheel, then learn to use them…

And pedaling uphill – especially over multiple steep inclines – requires a leg strength and forward-falling balance that will take a long time to master.

The other problems involve traffic (heavy in the summer) and riding space (no shoulder). And drivers in the mountains might get a little impatient with a one-wheeler blocking their path for several miles. Without a shoulder, sharing the road with motorists is required, and one irate driver could send a poor cyclist over the mountain at any time.

I’ve naturally hesitated to make this ride . . . but now I’m reconsidering.

Bruce and Susan Keenan of Atlanta have inspired me to get involved with their non-profit Himalayan Children’s Charities, and I want to ride to raise money for the noble effort of saving Nepalese orphans from a life of poverty and suffering.

Stay tuned to the blog – from time to time I will post an update of my progress, and let you know when and where this ride will take place. Right now I envision it will happen sometime in the Spring before the traffic gets too heavy (and dangerous), but I will let you know.

Himalayan Children's Charities

If you’re open to doing something for the orphans right now, visit http://himalayancharities.com for details on how you can donate to this worthy cause. There is also a Donor’s Event scheduled at Tribble Antiques, 747 Miami Circle, Atlanta, GA 30324 from 6:30-9:30 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2009. Call 678-575-9912 for details and directions.

In spite of hard times here in America, the orphans in Nepal have it much worse. Help me and the Keenans in this effort to fund a home and education for these kids. Thanks!