David Gough- A Classic Example of Unconditional Compassion

Giving selflessly means to surrender to a situation; absorb the need of another and to let go of what belongs to oneself from the bottom of one’s heart for the betterment of another. The strength of the Foundation of Goodness (FOG) lies in the generous contributions of kind hearted individuals that have crossed our path and assisted us in many different ways. These individuals have come forward with their willingness to make life a little better for those who are less fortunate than themselves, marking the height of altruism that humans are capable of exercising.

David Gough was one such person who gave selflessly to the Foundation of Goodness in many different ways. He first joined hands with FOG as a volunteer in 2009. Accompanied by his friend Nick Robinson, David spent a few weeks volunteering at Seenigama adding much value to the community and FOG alike. Even before their arrival in Sri Lanka and even before witnessing what the Foundation of Goodness is all about, David and Nick initiated an email campaign on behalf of the community they will soon assist in many different ways. This email campaign was circulated around the globe to friends and family that lived in different parts of the world, requesting them to donate unwanted sporting equipment that they may have. Goods that arrived from all over the world were carried along when David and Nick came to Sri Lanka which they distributed among upcoming little sports stars in the area.

On another occasion, David and Nick made another appeal to his able-friends. This time they suggested for a fund to be built with contributions for them to run a program called “Breakfast for champions”. Through this program, all kids that took part in sports coaching activities conducted by David and Nick were treated to free breakfasts that included chickpeas, soup and other similarly healthy meal plans.

Their proactive contributions did not stop at this. Whenever they found time, they would make appeals and write proposals to companies and organizations that support sports or deal with sports related services. When David and Nick wrote to Speedo, the world famous sporting gear producers, convincing them to contribute to FOG’s sports academy, contributions came our way in a flash. 

Extending beyond his call of duty as a volunteer at the Foundation, when David returned to his home land Australia, it became apparent to us that he had indeed, left his heart behind with us. This was proved when David and Sabrina Peiris (another volunteer from Australia that connected with FOG before David and Nick came along) organized a banquet charity gala in Australia, that raised over AUD 5000.00 for FOG.

Over the years, we have witnessed how the tender kindness and compassion of David Gough has brought in many blessings to FOG and its rural community beneficiaries. Among all these efforts to make this world a better place, the story of how David decided to spend his birthday this year stands out as marking the pinnacle of creativity and altruism.

For David Gough, the concept of a birthday party made little sense. So instead, he decided to host a Picnic Pentathlon Fundraiser in aid of the Foundation of Goodness. David wrote to his friends, “I'm choosing to celebrate my 30th birthday a little differently. Rather than a big night out, I wanted an event to get together and have fun with friends and family. The "Pentathlon" of "events" are simple challenges/games to raise funds for my chosen charity, the Foundation of Goodness (http://www.unconditionalcompassion.org) in Sri Lanka where I worked in 2009. I don't want any presents/drinks/bribes, rather your generous donations to the FOG will make me happiest.”

The Pentathlon was divided in to a few events and an entry fee was imposed on each event to raise funds for FOG. Each entry cost AUD 5.00 and the full Pentathlon cost AUD 30.00 per person. This way David was able to raise a total of AUD 1777.00 at the end. In his own words the event had been “a terrific success and an enjoyable way to celebrate a birthday”.

With all these proactive initiatives and selfless ways of giving, David is proving that this world is not short of angels. He is proving that creativity together with passion can make miracles happen. As the famous adage goes, “it is when one gives of oneself that he gives out the most” and there is no doubt that, David Gough in very essence is a living example of unconditional compassion!

“It is well to give when asked but it is better to give unasked”

29.06.2011