Advertisement

Gabi Hollows on a life with Fred and her vision for the future

The Bottom Line, set to air on Saturday March 8 at 4.00pm. Hollows describes her passion for the Foundation she helped set up in 1992 and of which she has been the public face since 1993 and the important work it continues to do around the world. “Some of the countries that we work in are some of the most war torn places. We go to the hardest places and most challenging places, every day that inspires me and fires up my batteries,” said Hollows. “Out of all the people in the world who are blind, four out of five don’t have to be if they have access to a good ophthalmologist. That’s pretty mind blowing when you think about it.” She describes her shock and fear upon learning of Fred’s diagnosis and her sadness that their five children have been forced to grow up without their father. “So they were just little ones really, the twins were, they hadn’t turned three when Fred passed away. “But it’s sad for me like with the kids then not having their dad around to see them grow up is another thing you know…” She says despite her loss she knew she had to keep on going to deliver on Fred’s commitment to improving the lives of people right around the world. “People said to Fred ‘no it won’t work’ and ‘we can’t do this’ and he said, ‘well, we will make it work.’ He was larger than life and I’m a bit sort of sentimental and…Irish in my belief that he really is there on our shoulder, watching us and what’s going on…” Last year The Fred Hollows Foundation worked across 19 countries to support over 400,000 sight-restoring treatments and procedures, trained more than 40,000 health workers and surgeons and provided over two million eye screenings. “The donors have been extraordinary and we can’t do it without the generosity of our everyday Australians whether it’s a little old lady who makes a pot of jam and sells it for 50 cents or somebody who might crochet a tea cosy.” Gabi Hollows shares her insights with Alex Malley on The Bottom Line  – airing on Saturday 8 March at 4pm on Channel Nine.]]>

Gold Coast Magazine

Gold Coast Magazine

Our in-house team and affiliates bringing you the latest in Culture, Lifestyle and Entertainment from around the globe and the great stories of the Gold Coast

Indulge in a decadent rosé-inspired haven at W Brisbane's WET Deck this summer. Sip on 'Rosé Five Ways' and enjoy exquisite light bites in enchanting

Indulge in a decadent rosé-inspired haven at W Brisbane’s WET Deck this summer. Sip on ‘Rosé Five Ways’ and enjoy exquisite light bites in enchanting pink hues.

The Gold Coast played host to a sensational Spilt Milk event, captivating music lovers with an array of unforgettable moments. The event's gallery showcases

The Gold Coast played host to a sensational Spilt Milk event, captivating music lovers with an array of unforgettable moments. The event’s gallery showcases

The iconic Kirra Beach Hotel, a cherished local landmark since 1956 has reopened with a fresh new look, ready for a summer full of great

The iconic Kirra Beach Hotel, a cherished local landmark since 1956 has reopened with a fresh new look, ready for a summer full of great people & good times.

Experience beachfront luxury with a chance to win a $12.6 million Gold Coast apartment complex just in time for Christma with RSL Art Union's monumental Draw 411!

Experience beachfront luxury with a chance to win a $12.6 million Gold Coast apartment complex just in time for Christma with RSL Art Union’s monumental Draw 411!

Elevate your Melbourne trip with Pullman's Elevate Club Lounge. Find out how you can enjoy Champagne breakfast and more, even if you're not staying at

Elevate your Melbourne trip with Pullman’s Elevate Club Lounge. Find out how you can enjoy Champagne breakfast and more, even if you’re not staying at the hotel

We have compiled our list of 10 of the best burgers on the Gold Coast; these ten are the best burger joints in Queensland in

We have compiled our list of 10 of the best burgers on the Gold Coast; these ten are the best burger joints in Queensland in my opinion and sure to cure your biggest craving for delicious burgers

In a stellar achievement for the Queensland hospitality scene, The Calile Hotel has secured its place as the No.12 hotel in the world and earned

In a stellar achievement for the Queensland hospitality scene, The Calile Hotel has secured its place as the No.12 hotel in the world and earned the prestigious title of “The Best Hotel in Oceania

Discover the revamped Palm Beach Aquatic Centre reopening in 2024. Enjoy upgraded pools, fitness facilities, and a vibrant community hub on the Gold Coast

Discover the revamped Palm Beach Aquatic Centre reopening in 2024. Enjoy upgraded pools, fitness facilities, and a vibrant community hub on the Gold Coast

gcmag

Gold Coast Magazine

Sharing the People, Places & Stories that define our great city and showcasing the best places to eat, play and stay since 2007.