7 reasons why we love our donors

At The Fred Hollows Foundation, we’re proud of the millions of people who’ve had their sight restored. But what truly inspires us — what keeps us going — is you. 

You might not be in the operating theatre. You may never travel to the communities we serve. But you are at the heart of everything we do. Because behind every surgery, every pair of glasses, every trained health worker — there’s someone like you who made it possible. 

Fred Hollows once said, “The basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other.” 

He believed in people. In justice. In action. And when we look at our incredible donors, we see all of that — and more. 

Here are 7 reasons why we love our donors. (Yes, you!) 

1. You lead with heart — just like Fred did 

Professor Fred Hollows checks the eyes of his patient, Jamie Sataa, at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital 

Photo credit: Fairfax Photos 

Fred didn’t become an eye doctor to win awards. He did it because he cared deeply about people — especially those being left behind. You share that same spirit. You give not for recognition, but because you want to make the world a little fairer, a little kinder. That generosity is powerful.

2. You turn compassion into action

Fred didn’t just talk about injustice — he did something about it. So do you. Whether you give once or monthly, your support restores sight, trains local health workers, and strengthens systems that will last for generations. You make things happen. 

3. You believe in a fair go for everyone 

Fred Hollows with a young Indigenous patient during the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program in the 70s. 

Photo credit: The Fred Hollows Foundation 

Fred was appalled by the injustice he saw — First Nations people going blind from conditions that were entirely treatable. That’s where his mission began. And that’s where yours does, too. You believe no one should lose their sight just because of where they were born. That belief drives change.

4. You stand with us for the long haul

Fred never gave up — even when the odds were against him. And you’ve shown the same commitment. Thanks to people like you, we've been able to restore sight to over 3 million people. That kind of lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes people who stick around. People like you. 

 5. You believe in empowering others

Fred believed in teaching people to help themselves. That’s why he trained local surgeons — because he knew lasting change had to come from within communities. When you give, you do more than treat blindness. You help build strong, sustainable eye health systems that will keep going long after we’re gone.

6. You inspire others

Children in Jimma, Ethiopia learn to prevent trachoma through face washing and hygiene, as Gabi Hollows visits a Fred Hollows Foundation program. 

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia 

Kindness is contagious. When people hear your story — when they see your support in action — they’re moved to get involved too. That ripple effect is what turns hope into a global movement. You are part of something much bigger than yourself. 

7. You bring Fred’s dream to life

Fred imagined a world where no one was needlessly blind. That wasn’t a dream about the future — it was a dream about us. About what people could do when they looked out for one another. When we look at the lives you’ve changed, we see Fred’s dream in action. And it gives us hope. 

Thank you. We see your impact every day — in every smile, every second chance, every life changed. You may never know all the people you’ve helped, but they know you. And we’ll never stop being grateful for you.