The Difference You Can Make
For Lindsay, leaving a gift in her Will to The Fred Hollows Foundation is her “way of continuing to make a difference, even after I’m gone.”
Her commitment was shaped by seeing Fred’s iconic photo with Giap, the Vietnamese boy Fred famously examined, and meeting Gabi Hollows — moments that made The Foundation’s mission deeply personal.
Lindsay says her decision to leave a gift in her Will reflects her values, her love of community, and her hope for a fairer, kinder world.
“Your gift can restore sight, dignity, and opportunity to someone who might otherwise go without,” she said.
Her story began in the suburbs of Boston, fuelled by “a curiosity about the world” that brought her to Australia in 1991 on an ambassador scholarship.
Having worked in healthcare technology, Lindsay believes “everyone deserves a fair chance in life, and sight is such a fundamental part of that.”
“Fred’s legacy is one of compassion and action - I’m proud to be part of that legacy.”
Jayne turns a life-changing experience into a lasting legacy
I grew up in Africa, where I saw firsthand the devastation faced by people living with blindness. Years later, at age 78, I experienced my own frightening loss of vision which began while on an overseas cruise. What started as stinging eyes quickly worsened to unbearable pain and by the time I returned home, my sight had completely faded. I was terrified.
Losing my independence was devastating. I couldn’t wear make‑up, dress myself properly, or even tell toothpaste from haemorrhoid cream. I once made a Vegemite sandwich thinking it was peanut butter.
After seven long weeks, my sight slowly returned. The experience humbled me and reminded me just how precious vision truly is.
I asked myself what more I could do for others facing preventable blindness and decided to include The Fred Hollows Foundation in my Will - to ensure others could have their sight restored and live with dignity long into the future.
A lifelong connection to eye health
Leanne is a loyal supporter of The Foundation, having experienced her own eye health complications as a young girl. Her sight was saved by Fred himself, who treated her from the age of seven until he passed away.
“I have funny memories of Fred that show his rough character but big heart. He used to ask me to sit down and bloody well don’t blink,” Leanne said, chuckling.
“I also have fond memories of Gabi teaching me to put my contacts in.
“Whenever I see Gabi at any of The Foundation’s events, she always introduces me as one of her friends and oldest patients.
“I decided to leave a gift in my Will to The Foundation because of my long connection to Fred and Gabi and the good work we all believe in. My hope is that the legacy Fred started will carry on and continue to transform lives well into the future,” she said.
Why I want my values to live on
Alison believes leaving a gift in her Will is about purpose and possibility.
“There are many of Fred Hollows’ quotes that touch the heart and one of my favourites is ‘to enrich someone’s life is to be purposeful in ours.’
The Foundation enriches people’s lives far beyond restoring sight. Knowing the family of Fred Hollows is still involved gives me confidence that his vision is being realised.
I chose to leave a gift in my Will because I want my values to live on. My children are self sufficient and I know my gift can make a lasting impact restoring sight around the world. It feels good to know lives will be improved because of my contribution.”
Alison’s story highlights why many supporters choose to leave a gift in their Will, allowing your values to create change long after you are gone.
Supporting an important self evident cause
Alan believes giving should be focused on impact.
“My personal philosophy towards charity is ensuring my donations reduce the most amount of suffering.”
That’s what led him to support The Fred Hollows Foundation. He sees its work as both effective and far-reaching — delivering cost-effective treatments to people who need them most.
“To restore the gift of sight is an important, self-evident cause and the Foundation does that work fantastically.”
Alan also sees Fred Hollows’ vision and tenacity carried through in the organisation today, particularly in its belief that “every eye is an eye.”
Although he is still early in his career, that confidence in the Foundation’s work has led him to leave a gift in his Will.
“I truly believe it will still be the most outstanding charitable organisation for a long time into the future.”
For Alan, it’s also about playing his part.
“I’m no doctor, but I know that through supporting the Foundation, I can serve in the best way that I can.”
Alan’s story shows how a gift in your Will can be a practical way to support work that delivers real, lasting impact.
Giving back in the most meaningful way
Diagnosed with cataracts while still in his 40s, Colin’s sight was restored through the wonders of eye surgery.
Colin was inspired by the joy of regaining clear vision and has chosen to support The Foundation by leaving a gift in his Will.
“I had no opportunity to help those who could not afford the treatment that I had been privileged to receive, until I heard of an Aussie doctor who was doing something about it – Fred Hollows! What an extraordinary man,” Colin said.
“Supporting this incredible organisation has more than satisfied my desire to give something back in the most practical way – treating avoidable blindness and training professionals who are expanding Fred’s vision exponentially.”
“I know of no more cost-effective way of dramatically improving people’s lives than through The Fred Hollows Foundation, whether by donation or through your Will.”
James & Janet’s legacy
James & Janet have been caring supporters of The Fred Hollows Foundation since it’s early days and have
generously decided to leave a gift to The Foundation in their wills.
“It is so inspiring to know that Fred was able to leverage funds so effectively by training up local eye health workers
and adapting procedures to meet local needs and conditions.
Knowing that 9 out of 10 people who are blind or visually impaired don’t need to be highlights this ongoing problem.
Including The Fred Hollows Foundation in our wills felt like a natural decision when we updated them a few years ago.
If Fred’s legacy can continue to assist those in need, we are proud to contribute to that effort.”
Sasha’s gift to the future
Sasha has always admired Fred’s work. As a young teenager at the time, Sasha was devastated when he passed away. It seemed so unfair that a great man determined to do good in the world died so suddenly. Sasha decided at the time that if she ever bought a home, then she would like to leave it as a gift to The Fred Hollows Foundation in her Will. 30 years later, Sasha has just settled into her new home and is still going to honor that promise.
As someone who has had terrible eyesight and was born with toxoplasmosis, Sasha can understand the dire vulnerability of people who cannot see. To miss out on seeing art, color, and the brilliance it brings into her life, Sasha couldn’t imagine not being able to experience this ever again.
Ejnar’s support of future generations
Ejnar was a passionate supporter of the Fred Hollows Foundation who made the incredible decision to leave a gift to The Foundation in his Will.
Megs, a best friend and neighbour of Ejnar, wrote to us to share how proud she was of his decision to include The Foundation in his Will and to paint a picture for us of the generous man that her good friend was.
Ejnar was born in Denmark in 1934 and moved to Australia permanently in the 1970’s. Megs describes him as a ‘humorously cheeky character who saw the silver lining in everything. He took every opportunity that was availed to him and was the sort of bloke who would help anyone and everyone he could.’
When creating his Will, Ejnar was delighted to formalise his intention for his beloved Fred Hollows Foundation to be a beneficiary.
‘Ejnar had always spoken about the work of Fred Hollows with amazement and awe, and as a foundation worthy of his time and gifts’ Megs explained. ‘He had a personal experience travelling through a third world country on his way to Australia many years ago, and where he witnessed The Foundation’s work first hand. He also educated all his friends to respect and appreciate the great and life-changing work still being conducted by The Fred Hollows Foundation’ .
Ejnar needed care himself as he entered his older years. ‘He was 100% loved by me and all of his family and friends’ said Megs. ‘He was and will always be a special part of my life and I was so glad to be able to help look after him and all he cared about’.
‘I hope this gives you a picture of Ejnar and our relationship that has encouraged me to move on from my sadness and be constructive with the opportunities’ said Megs, ‘he felt it was so important to include The Foundation in his Will to continue his support for generations to come.’
Jodie’s gift lives on
Jodie is one of many wonderful supporters of The Fred Hollows Foundation who has so generously left a gift in her Will to help restore sight to those living with avoidable blindness.
Jodie sadly passed away in February 2024 after a courageous battle against cancer. It was Jodie’s brother Owen who informed us of Jodie’s remarkable gift.
‘Just a month after this beautiful photo was taken, Jodie ended up in ICU and was placed in an induced coma because of the seriousness of her condition. Upon being brought out of the induced coma, she was moved to a high dependency ward and within a month Jodie slipped away peacefully. I miss her dearly because she was my one and only sister.’
Jodie’s final gift ensures that her values and beliefs will live on. Her legacy will train and equip future generations of surgeons and eye health care workers and, most importantly, it will help reach more people who are needlessly blind. We are incredibly grateful to Jodie and to her family, and to all of those who choose to leave a gift in their Will to The Foundation.
Your legacy, too, can last beyond a lifetime. To find out more about the incredible impact leaving a gift in your Will can have, please contact our friendly Gifts in Wills team on 1800 526 413.
Celebrating Judy’s life of altruism
Judy Ingle (1931 – 2024) was a friend of The Foundation from the start, supporting us for over 30 years. Judy passed away in March 2024 and our Philanthropy team has described her as a ‘force to be reckoned with’.
Judy was a people person who genuinely cared for others. A nurse and staff counselor, she organised fundraisers, and garnered support from her community. Through events and her management of the ‘Friends for Fred Hollows’ group, Judy raised $94,785 for The Foundation, which has supported our eye health programs around the world. Judy has also thoughtfully left a gift in her Will to The Foundation, ensuring that her support will continue beyond her lifetime. In 2008, Judy was grateful for the opportunity to attend the opening of the Dai Loc Eye Clinic in Vietnam, at her own expense.
Her son Stephen remarked, “Mum had a big heart. She met Fred several times and viewed The Foundation as a unique organisation that truly delivered on the ground and improved people’s lives. She didn’t seek any rewards for her work, however, she was touched to receive the Fred Hollows Helping Hand Award in 2012. The plaque held a special place in her home.”
Founding Director Gabi Hollows paid tribute to Judy, saying, “I’m grateful to have known Judy for over 30 years. The impact she made while supporting The Foundation is extraordinary. I believe she would be incredibly proud that her efforts have improved the lives of thousands of people.”
A personal understanding of sight and its value
Margaret is choosing to leave a gift in her Will because she understands how profoundly sight can change a life.
Her own connection to eye health is deeply personal. Her mother lived to 99 but spent many years with glaucoma, eventually becoming legally blind. Watching her mother navigate that long decline shaped Margaret’s understanding of how precious vision truly is. Years later, Margaret herself was diagnosed with glaucoma and underwent cataract surgery. She recalls the quickness and effectiveness of the procedure with gratitude, knowing firsthand “the true difference it makes to finally be able to see without looking through cloudy eyes.”
Margaret was drawn to The Fred Hollows Foundation after seeing its work and learning about Fred’s commitment to “teaching the teacher,” ensuring local doctors could continue restoring sight long after he was gone. Including the Foundation in her Will felt like a natural extension of her support.
She believes her legacy gift can help restore sight and transform lives, supporting individuals, families and communities for generations to come.
Margaret’s story reflects what many supporters feel. A gift in your Will is a meaningful way to create lasting change, giving independence, dignity and the ability to fully engage with life.
Malcom James Hood
The late Malcom James Hood left us a gift in his Will and his executors Patricia McCauley and Julie Murray sent us a little bit about Malcom’s wonderful life, which we would be honoured to share as a tribute to his generous contribution:
“Malcolm was an eminent academic, a champion of applied mathematics, a skilled wood worker, a lover of classical music. Malcolm’s generosity of spirit is evident in the number of amateur organisations which he helped steer through the shoals of membership fees and other jobs which most of us were intimidated by. He was on the committees of The Friends of the University Library, the Nedlands branch of the Australian Seniors Association, and the WA Theatre Organ Society.”
Joy Heather Granger
We are so grateful to the late Joy Granger for the gift she left The Foundation in her Will. Joy’s cousins Ian and Gail Brewer gave us an insight into Joy’s life and we are delighted to be able to share part of it as a token of our appreciation:
“Joy was quite the fashionista in her day, and very skilfully made her own clothes and hats. She loved animals and had several pets over the years. Joy loved her family and particularly enjoyed seeing the younger generations in her extended family. She was very generous in giving to charity and this has now been borne out in her Will. This is her legacy.”
Robert Lubout Memorial trust
“The Robert Lubout Memorial Trust was established following his death in 1993. Its purpose has been the allocation of funds to organisations working to benefit Australia's less fortunate. Robert, a Senior Industrial Officer, had worked tirelessly in both his personal & professional lives in the promotion of fairness, equity and justice for all.
In 2017 the Trust chose The Fred Hollows Foundation as a most worthy recipient and therefore have donated over $31,000 to the Australian Indigenous Programs.”
Paul Lubout. The Foundation is grateful to the Trust for this generous donation.
Nancy Jean Murray
It is because of people like the late Nancy Jean Murray that Fred’s vision, of a world where no one is needlessly blind, lives on. On behalf of the people whose lives have been transformed by her generous gift - we say thank you.
Jennie Wiles, Nancy’s niece and executor, kindly sent a few words about her aunt:
“When Nancy decided to include The Fred Hollows Foundation in her Will, she decided that her legacy would be to change people’s lives by giving them the gift of sight. Nancy and her late husband Bruce were supporters of The Foundation and cared deeply for the cause.”
William (Bill) George Rundell
Thank you to the late William George Rundell for his commitment to The Fred Hollows Foundation by generously leaving us a gift in his Will. His gift will go a long way towards restoring sight to many people suffering with avoidable blindness around the world.
His granddaughter Patricia Rundell-Bettridge has kindly shared a bit about his life:
“During World War II Bill served in the Pacific Islands and saw first-hand the terrible toll eye related issues had on the local population. Prior to his passing at the age of 91, he made it clear that he wished to make a bequest in his Will to the Fred Hollows Foundation to improve the lives of those people living with avoidable blindness in the Pacific and beyond."
