Nominations have now opened for the second Fred Hollows Humanity Award in New South Wales and State Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr, MP is encouraging locals to get involved.
Professor Fred Hollows dedicated his life to helping others, saving the sight of disadvantaged people around the world.
The Fred Hollows Foundation is keeping Fred’s vision alive through an award which recognises Year 6 students who follow in Fred’s footsteps by showing care and compassion for others.
“There is no act of kindness too small. Whether it is volunteering, fundraising for a good cause or helping others, children in the Cessnock Electorate are making a positive difference in our community. This award is a great opportunity for their work to be recognised,” said Mr Barr.
The award launched in NSW to great success last year and recognised the positive contributions of 97 students from 77 primary schools across the state.
Award recipients included a boy who volunteered at a nursing home, and a student who showed compassion by helping to look after her seven siblings at home.
Ryde East Public School student Keats Mackay was named the first Fred Hollows NSW Junior Ambassador and chose to support The Foundation’s work in Bangladesh.
The Foundation’s Founding Director Gabi Hollows said: “Fred used to say that the basic attribute of mankind was our ability to look after each other. The Fred Hollows Humanity Award will recognise students in NSW who have reflected this value in their own lives.”
All nominees will be recognised at a presentation ceremony where the 2016 NSW Junior Ambassador will be announced. This Ambassador will be able to extend their humanity by allocating $5,000 donated by Specsavers to one of The Fred Hollows Foundation’s programs to end avoidable blindness
“I urge parents, teachers and other community members to nominate Year 6 students in the area and showcase the community spirit of the Cessnock Electorate,” said Mr Barr.
To learn more about the award, or to nominate a young person in the Cessnock Electorate, visit www.hollows.org/humanityaward
Nominations for the Fred Hollows Humanity Award close on Sunday 21 August 2016.