The Fred Hollows Foundation is giving thanks to the Whittlesea community for their ongoing generosity despite rising cost-of-living pressures.
More than 650 people from the region in the past year became regular supporters of the non-profit organisation, which treat hundreds of thousands of people living with avoidable blindness.
Whittlesea is one of the top five giving areas in Australia.
Founding director Gabi Hollows said the steadfast support shown by Whittlesea residents was heartwarming given the current cost–of-living pressures.
“We know this year has been especially tough for families,” she said.
“That’s why we are so incredibly grateful that people continue to support our work, allowing us to deliver life-changing treatments here in Australia and around the world.
“Thank you to Whittlesea for allowing us to keep Fred’s vision of ending avoidable blindness alive. Without your generosity, The foundation couldn’t restore sight to those who need it most.”
In 2022, the foundation performed 3.9 million eye screenings, 122,000 cataract operations, 79,000 surgeries to treat trachoma, 10,000 diabetic retinopathy treatments and 304,000 other sight saving or improving interventions.
One of the patients who received life-changing surgery last year was Sok – a 10-year-old boy from Preah Sihanouk on Cambodia’s coastline.
Sok was born with cataract in both eyes, a genetic condition that can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
While his parents tried everything to provide help, they were put in contact with two eye doctors trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation.
In January 2022, Sok and his mother Chea La made a five-hour journey by bus to the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh where he underwent cataract surgery.
One year after the cataracts were removed from his eyes, life was very different for Sok.
To watch Sok’s story, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFPTw4GV4bA.
For more information about The Fred Hollows Foundation or to help restore sight, visit www.hollows.org or call 1800 352 352.
