The Fred Hollows Foundation is calling for nominations for the annual Fred Hollows Humanity Award, which recognises Year 6 students who demonstrate compassion, integrity and kindness towards others.

Parents, teachers, principals and members of communities around the country can nominate a child who is making a difference at www.hollows.org/fredhollowshumanityaward before Friday 11 September.

Since 2012, the Fred Hollows Humanity Award has recognised more than 1,500 students nationwide who follow in Fred’s footsteps by making a positive difference in the lives of others.

“Whether it is helping someone in need, volunteering or fundraising for a good cause, children in Frome are making a tremendous contribution to our community and the Fred Hollows Humanity Award is a great opportunity for them to be recognised,” said Hon Geoff Brock MP.

Previous year’s nominees included a boy from the ACT who taught himself Auslan to communicate with a profoundly deaf classmate, a girl from Victoria who raised awareness and funds for refugees and a boy from Tasmania who provided ongoing support to a classmate with a serious medical condition.

All nominees will receive a certificate and be recognised at a virtual presentation ceremony, with a special guest, later in the year.

Each state and territory will also recognise a Junior Ambassador who will be able to extend their humanity by allocating $5,000, donated by the award’s charity partner Specsavers, to one of The Foundation’s programs to end avoidable blindness.

“Fred used to say the basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other,” said Gabi Hollows, Founding Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

“He would be so proud to know The Fred Hollows Humanity Award is recognising students who are demonstrating this belief in their own lives.

“I am constantly inspired by the actions of award recipients and I urge people to nominate a Year 6 student in their area who embodies the values of compassion, integrity and kindness.”

Nominations are now open and close 11.59pm, Friday 11 September. To see examples of past Junior Ambassadors and to nominate a Year 6 student, go to: www.hollows.org/fredhollowshumanityaward