Rotarians 'Down Under' joint partnership

  The Fred Hollows Foundation: "Best Practice Not-For-Profit Organisation 2008”
- Givewell Good Giving Guide Charity Awards  

What does Fred Hollows have in common with Rotarians 'Down Under'?

Both believe in direct action!

Professor Fred Hollows was an outstanding eye surgeon, a passionate advocate for improved health of Indigenous Australians and a friend to blind people in the developing world.

Today, The Fred Hollows Foundation continues Fred’s very practical work throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.

It’s a no-nonsense approach – working on the ground with communities, local partners, doctors and other health workers – to get results.

That’s how Fred worked.

Rotary International recognised the results of Fred Hollows’ direct action: by naming him a Paul Harris Fellow in November 1991.

In May 1993, Fred posthumously received the Rotary Award for World Understanding. The award, acknowledging Fred’s pioneering medical work with Indigenous Australians and in developing countries, was announced a month before his death.

The award was accepted by Fred’s wife, Gabi Hollows. Gabi was also presented with a cheque for US$100,000 which enabled The Foundation to get on its feet.

In 2003, The Fred Hollows Foundation in Australia, The Fred Hollows Foundation in New Zealand and Rotarians 'Down Under' forged an exciting partnership which embraced their shared commitment to blindness prevention in the developing world and improving the lives and health of Indigenous Australians.

Avoidable blindness and literacy were primary targets on Rotary International’s (RI) hit list. The District Governors of the day encouraged their clubs to support these vital humanitarian causes. At that time, RI Past President Frank Devlyn was encouraging clubs and districts to “partner” with creditable community organisations to avoid “re-inventing the wheel” and ensure maximum value for every dollar.

Rotarians 'Down Under' are invited to join the clubs in Australia who have already committed to this partnership.

You can get involved by raising both awareness of The Foundation's programs and by raising funds to guarantee their long-term future.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is a non-government organisation which seeks to eradicate avoidable blindness in developing countries and amongst Indigenous Australians.

The Foundation’s vision is of a world where no one is needlessly blind and where Indigenous Australians enjoy the same health as other Australians.

Since 1992 The Fred Hollows Foundation has worked with local partners in more than 34 countries in the developing world to prevent and treat avoidable blindness.

The Foundation’s blindness prevention programs in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Pacific (including Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Timor-Leste) strives to achieve four key goals: 

1. End avoidable blindness in the communities and countries where we work.
2. Improve the life chances and choices of Indigenous Australians through improving their health.
3. Work through strong partnerships and cross-sector collaborations – at local, national and global levels.
4. Build a strong and dynamic organisation, capable of facilitating effective eye and Indigenous health programs and have a positive impact on public opinion, policies and practices.

In the footsteps of Fred Hollows’ work with Indigenous people, The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to working in partnership with local communities and Indigenous organisations.

The Indigenous Program, funded by The Fred Hollows Foundation in Australia works to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people in some of the most remote communities in Australia.  

Since 1999, the Indigenous program has partnered with local Indigenous organisations and Jawoyn communities in the region east of Katherine in the Northern Territory and has now extended this partnership to Katherine West and Western New South Wales.

Our work focuses on tackling the social determinants of poor health and supporting the work of Aboriginal-controlled organisations and health services.

Through a series of interrelated projects including eye health, nutrition, literacy, aural health, women’s health and workforce training, maternal and child health and community engagement and development, we are able to address the underlying causes of health inequity.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to advocate for the general eye health needs of Indigenous Australians, especially those living in remote regions.

The value of Rotary’s fundraising is increased when clubs take advantage of the existing project infrastructure developed by The Fred Hollows Foundation.

As such, Rotary Clubs in Australia are invited to make a minimum donation of $1,000. Thereafter, clubs have the option of making a regular annual pledge which provides The Fred Hollows Foundation with the opportunity to do more of its important work. This is critical for the development of The Foundation’s sustainable programs.

Support will enable Rotary Clubs to be part of an effective joint partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Rotarians are also encouraged to make personal pledges.

The Fred Hollows Foundation greatly appreciates the support of Rotary Clubs and Districts across Australia who have helped to restore sight and change lives.

The Foundation would like to acknowledge the following clubs' support in the 2007-08 financial year.

The partnership between Rotary Club 'Down Under' and The Fred Hollows Foundation has raised tens of thousands of dollars to eradicate blindness in the developing world and to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

Read more about some of these dedicated clubs.

If you have any further questions please contact us.

Sue Larsen
National Rotary Partnership Manager
The Fred Hollows Foundation
P.O. Box 795, NEW FARM QLD 4005
Tel: (07) 3358 5877
Fax: (07) 3358 6422

Email: rotary@hollows.org

Donation Line 1800 352 352

Website www.hollows.org.au

 Gabi Hollows (Paul Harris Fellow 1995 and Honorary Rotarian 2006), and The Fred Hollows Foundation share a deep respect for Rotary’s variety of humanitarian service projects around the world and are very proud of the partnership.