This World Sight Day, Australians are being urged to get behind the work of legendary Aussie doctor, Fred Hollows, whose Foundation has helped restore sight to three million people in Australia and around the world.

Bill Woods is joined by Rosa Hollows, daughter of former Australian of the year Fred Hollows, about the launch of the ‘Freddy Bear’, available for $60, with $25 from each sale going to restoring sight to needlessly blind people around the world, including here in Australia. https://freddybear.com.au/

More than 1.1 billion people globally suffer vision loss due to a lack of eye health services.  According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, this creates an economic loss of $AU530 billion annually.

The Fred Hollows Foundation has helped restore sight to 3 million people, however with further funding, more can be done, which is why on World Sight Day on Thursday October 13, they have launched a new Freddy Bear to honour Fred Hollows legacy and raise further funds for The Foundation.

“My dad Fred had great hope that we could make the world a better place, and through Freddy Bear, we want to pass on that dream to the next generation of kids all over Australia,” Rosa said.

“Fred was often described as being a bit gruff but with a soft heart. I think he’d laugh that his likeness has been turned into a soft, cuddly bear!

“We hope that Freddy Bear will be a cherished souvenir for kids, parents and families, reminding them of my dad’s incredible legacy and with Christmas coming up, we think Freddy Bear will make a perfect gift for someone you love while also helping to restore sight.”.

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