Rotarians 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.

One of Rotary's yearly gubernatorial groups voiced their frustrations about a lack of regional opportunities to support 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.

Rotarians 'Down Under' are invited to join the Clubs in New Zealand 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 to The Foundation's 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 NZ.  We work with local partners throughout the Pacific to prevent and treat avoidable blindness.

This brochure 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 NZ 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.

Gabi was made an Honorary Rotarian in 2006, in acknowledgement of the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation. This was presented by Frank J Devlyn, (President, Rotary International 2000-01 and Trustee Chair, The Rotary Foundation 2005-06) to Gabi who was keynote speaker at the Rotary District 9690.

For further information about the Rotary Downunder Partnership contact:

Debbie Thomson dthomson@hollows.org Tel: 09-623 7561