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.

Since the partnership began Rotary Clubs have raised tens of thousands of dollars to eradicate blindness in the developing world.

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, Marketing & Fundraising Director, The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ

Tel: 09-304 0524

Email: dthomson@hollows.org.nz