Search for children who follow in Fred Hollows’ footsteps

Students at last year''s Victorian Humanity Award ceremony with John Brumby. Picture: COURTESY DANIEL JESUS VIGNOLLI

Parent’s, teachers, principals and community members are being encouraged to nominate a Grade 6 student for the annual Fred Hollows Humanity Award.

The award recognises Grade 6 students who demonstrate compassion, integrity and kindness towards others.

Education Minister and Monbulk MP James Merlino encouraged locals to get involved.

“Whether it is helping someone in need, volunteering or fundraising for a good cause, children in Monbulk are making a tremendous contribution to our community and the Fred Hollows Humanity Award is a great opportunity for them to be recognised,” he said.

Since 2012, the Fred Hollows Humanity Award has recognised more than 1,500 students nationwide who follow in Fred’s footsteps by making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Previous year’s nominees included a boy from the ACT who taught himself Auslan to communicate with a profoundly deaf classmate, a girl from Victoria who raised awareness and funds for refugees and a boy from Tasmania who provided ongoing support to a classmate with a serious medical condition.

“Fred used to say the basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other,” said Gabi Hollows, Founding Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

“He would be so proud to know The Fred Hollows Humanity Award is recognising students who are demonstrating this belief in their own lives.

“I am constantly inspired by the actions of award recipients and I urge people to nominate a Year 6 student in their area who embodies the values of compassion, integrity and kindness.”

All nominees will receive a certificate and be recognised at a virtual presentation ceremony, with a special guest, later in the year.

Each state and territory will also recognise a Junior Ambassador who will be able to extend their humanity by allocating $5,000 to one of The Fred Hollows Foundation’s programs to end avoidable blindness.

Nominations close on 11 September and can be made at www.hollows.org/fredhollowshumanityaward.