Rotarians 'Down Under' Joint Partnership

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.

One of Rotary's yearly gubernatorial groups voiced their frustrations about a lack of regional opportunities to support literacy and avoidable blindness projects, and believed Rotary Clubs in Australia and New Zealand were anxious to support these vital humanitarian causes.

Since the partnership began Rotary Clubs have raised tens of thousands of dollars to eradicate blindness in the developing world and to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

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.

Rotary Clubs are invited to make a donation which can be allocated to either The Foundation's Australian Indigenous literacy program and/or to the international blindness prevention program.

The value of Rotary's fundraising is increased when clubs take advantage of the existing programs developed by The Fred Hollows Foundation. The Fred Hollows Foundation works with local partners in more than 20 countries throughout the developing world to prevent and treat avoidable blindness and to improve the health and eye care of Indigenous Australians.

This brochure  (1.2MB) provides some background information about the programs and provides a donation coupon for individual Rotarians, Clubs and Districts to commit their support.

Clubs are encouraged to make an ongoing annual pledge of $1,000 or more to enable The Fred Hollows Foundation to continue its important work.

There is a close link between The Fred Hollows Foundation and Rotary International.

In 1993 Fred Hollows 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.

Just months later, Fred received this posthumous award at the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, which was accepted by Gabi Hollows. Gabi was also presented with a cheque for US$100,000 which enabled The Foundation to get on its feet.

The Fred Hollows Foundation greatly appreciates the support of Rotary Clubs across Australia who have helped to restore sight and change lives. View The Foundation's acknowledgement  (43kb) of the clubs who have supported The Foundation in the 2006-07 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: +61 7 3358 5877
Fax: +61 7 3358 6422
Email: rotary@hollows.org