The Fred Hollows Foundation is calling for nominations for the annual Fred Hollows Humanity Award, which recognises Year Six 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/humanityaward before September 10.

Since 2012, the Fred Hollows Humanity Award has recognised more than 750 students who follow in Fred’s footsteps by making a positive difference in the lives of others. This year the award has expanded nationwide.

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

Last 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, a boy from Tasmania who provided ongoing support to a classmate with a serious medical condition, and a boy from rural NSW who advocated for road safety and encouraged community engagement.

All nominees will receive a certificate and be recognised at a presentation ceremony 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. Last year’s Junior Ambassadors chose to support The Foundation’s work in Cambodia, Kenya and in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.

Gabi Hollows, Founding Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation said: “Fred used to say the basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other. 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 Six student in their area who embodies the values of compassion, integrity and kindness.”