Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison is encouraging local schools and community organisations to this week nominate Year six students for the annual Fred Hollows Humanity Award.
The legendary Australian eye surgeon believed Australians had an amazing ability to care for others and help those in need saying the greatest attribute of mankind was our ability to help one another.
The award encourages students to show compassion, integrity and kindness and make a positive difference in their school or community.
Last year, Ashton Griffiths from Maitland Christian School and Genevieve Blair who attended St Paul’s Primary School Rutherford were among nine Hunter nominees for the award.
They joined over 100 Year six students from across the state at the Parliament of NSW for the naming of the Junior Ambassador and to receive their nomination certificate.
The Junior Ambassador gets to extend their humanity by allocating $5,000 to one of The Fred Hollows Foundation’s programs to end avoidable blindness.
Tilda Meggitt from Sydney’s Petersham Public School was named the 2017 NSW Junior Ambassador for her tireless efforts including making wigs for those with cancer and alopecia as well as supporting Beyond Blue, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, World’s Greatest Shave and the Ration Challenge.
Teachers, principals, parents and members of the community can nominate students who are making a positive difference to the Maitland community until Sunday 9 September 2018.
Quotes attributable to Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Maitland to nominate senior primary school students who are making a difference in our community. They could be involved in volunteering, fundraising or even taking time to visit senior citizens in our local retirement villages.”
“A true sense of community comes from taking the time to give something back to your local area. Young people who are showing that kind of selflessness deserve to have their efforts recognised.”
