Gabi Hollows has a goal in sight. In line with the Vision 2020 global initiative, she’s planning to eliminate avoidable blindness within the next seven years. But to do that, she needs money – and plenty of it.
Specsavers has taken up the challenge. As it moves into its third year supporting the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation, the group aims to raise AU$750,000 in 2014 with the help of Specsavers stores and customers in Australia and New Zealand. mivision spoke to Gabi Hollows, Founder of The Fred Hollows Foundation, and Derek Dyson, General Manager of Specsavers (Australia and New Zealand) about their shared ambition.
Gabi Hollows, Founding Director, Fred Hollows Foundation
What are the goals for The Fred Hollows Foundation over the coming five years?
“The Foundation is working to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. So the next five years are critical as we hurtle towards this date. Our work focuses on cataract, on trachoma, on diabetic retinopathy and on global advocacy of avoidable blindness.”
every dollar we receive is being spent immediately so that someone, somewhere in the world who is blinded by poverty alone, can have their sight and their dignity returned…
With so much avoidable blindness in the world, how does the Foundation determine where to direct its capacity?
“The Foundation’s model for eye health is to create sustainable, comprehensive eye health systems in countries that lack resources and infrastructure to do this work themselves. We find local partners and train local teams to undertake this important, life-changing work. I think one of our most significant strengths is the in-country teams that work tirelessly to restore sight. As Fred used to say, we must ‘train the trainers’.”
In what way is the relationship with Specsavers important to the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation?
“The Fred Hollows Foundation cannot do this work alone. We build strong, sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships that help us to get our work done. Our partnership with Specsavers allows our message to reach millions of Australians. If someone is in a position to help someone else, then why sit back and do nothing? It is the Specsavers staff, customers and suppliers that are making a difference here.”
How are the funds raised by Specsavers for The Fred Hollows Foundation directed?
“This partnership is resulting in eye surgeons being trained, eye hospitals being built, as Fred would always say ‘tools of the trade’ being provided, and sight restoring operations are taking place. Incredible!”
How has fundraising for The Fred Hollows Foundation changed over the past decade?
“The Fred Hollows Foundation continues to enjoy overwhelming generosity from the Australian public. The Foundation also receives significant donations from corporate Australia and from the Australian government. We are so incredibly thankful for this amazing support and for the massive growth we have enjoyed over the past 10 years.”
How has competition from other charities impacted The Fred Hollows Foundation’s ability to raise funds?
“I think The Fred Hollows Foundation is extremely lucky to have clear, tangible and practical goals. We are constantly measuring our work and the impact is easily understood. Quite simply we don’t focus on the competition, but on expanding our program reach so that we can restore sight to more people each and every year.”
What gives you most personal satisfaction from your work with the Foundation?
“People often ask me this question and I simply say that I feel Fred would be blown away to see how far we have come. From manufacturing the tiny intraocular lenses in Eritrea and Nepal to meeting with world leaders to end trachoma and prevent diabetes related blindness, I know that every dollar we receive is being spent immediately so that someone, somewhere in the world who is blinded by poverty alone, can have their sight and their dignity returned. That’s what fires me up.”
DEREK DYSON, GENERAL MANAGER Specsavers (AUST AND NZ)
Why did Specsavers choose to develop a strategic partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation?
“Specsavers and The Fred Hollows Foundation have remarkably similar values and that’s what makes the partnership so successful.
“Fred Hollows’ vision is to restore sight and end avoidable blindness around the world while our vision is to provide best value eye care to everyone, simply, clearly and consistently. There is a clear connection between the two visions – a clear emphasis on attainable, quality eye care – and that’s made the strategic partnership such an obvious and mutually beneficial fit.
“We really admire the life-changing work that The Fred Hollows Foundation achieves every day, and as such we are all really proud of our association with the organisation.”
What impact do you believe the relationship between The Foundation and Specsavers has had on alleviating avoidable blindness?
“In Australia, the Community Program will see more than 260 stores across the country donate more than half a million dollars to The Fred Hollows Foundation, along with each store’s elected local organisation, over the next 12 months. In New Zealand, the initiative will see 45 stores across the country donate approximately $250,000.
“The money raised will assist The Foundation’s sight-saving work including life-changing cataract surgery to restore sight to the blind. It will also fund new hospitals and valuable resources that will directly impact those in need.”
What are the individual Specsavers’ stores doing to get behind The Fred Hollows Foundation?
“All Specsavers customers can take part in the Specsavers Community Program. For each frame purchased, customers receive a donation token which they can then drop into either The Fred Hollows Foundation donation box or a donation box for the store’s chosen local charity. Specsavers will then make a subsequent donation on the customer’s behalf to
these organisations.
“Each store involved in the Specsavers Community Program has chosen to give back to charity and the donations come from each store-owner’s profits. The Partners have really got behind this program.
“Also, across Australia and NZ, our stores have implemented various initiatives over the years to boost funds
for The Fred Hollows Foundation, including in store coin collecting, store events where a portion of sales from every eye test has been donated to the organisation and ‘Specsavers National Eyecare Day 2012’ which saw every one of our stores in both countries raise funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation through eye test donations.”
In terms of your relationship with The Fred Hollows Foundation and the impact on improving eye health with people in need, what are your goals and aims over the next five years?
“Partnerships are at the heart of everything the business does, including giving back to, and working with, local communities and communities abroad.”
