Jet help Fred Hollows to Shine On

One of Australia’s biggest bands, Jet, has joined forces with The Fred Hollows Foundation to produce a video tribute about the life and work of the renowned eye surgeon, 15 years after his passing.

Jet’s song, Shine On, is the soundtrack to the clip which was put together by The Fred Hollows Foundation and is available on YouTube.

Jet’s lead singer, Nic Cester, said he hoped the clip would remind people about Fred’s work and encouraged them to support The Fred Hollows Foundation, which aims to overcome avoidable blindness in developing countries and improve health and eyesight in Australia’s Indigenous communities.

“Fred Hollows was such a big figure in Australia and he had a huge impact. But he passed away when there was still work to do. This clip is a bit of a reminder, hopefully it encourages people to make a donation to keep Fred’s work going,” said Cester.

Cataract blindness is responsible for approximately 50% of cases of avoidable blindness, yet it can be overcome with a relatively simple operation, costing as little as $25 in some developing countries.

“For the cost of a CD you can help someone see again. I just hope this clip helps to get that message out there,” said Cester.

Shine On, the title track of Jet’s second album, was written by Cester as a tribute to his father, who passed away from cancer in 2004.

Fred’s widow, Gabi Hollows, said she was touched that Jet had offered such a personal song to help Fred’s work live on.

“Shine On is a beautiful song, capturing deep sadness but offering inspiration and possibility,” said Hollows.

“It is a perfect fit with Fred and the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation. The clip shows the amazing moment when the eye patch comes off and the person realises they can see again. It doesn’t get much more moving than that,” said Hollows.
 
Phone 1800 352 352 or visit www.hollows.org.au to support The Foundation.

The Fred Hollows Foundation was recently named “Best Practice Not-For-Profit Organisation 2008 ” at the Givewell Good Giving Guide Charity Awards.
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For interviews or more information phone The Fred Hollows Foundation:
Joe Boughton-Dent
(ph) 02 8741 1928 or 0401 650 440; Email: jboughtondent@hollows.org