Charity Fred Hollows Foundation thanks Geraldton for generosity, naming it one of most giving regions in WA

An Australian healthcare charity has commended Geraldton for its generosity, naming it in its top five most giving regional areas in WA over the past 12 months. More than 140 people, including 10 new donors, in the Geraldton community have donated more than $43,000 to The Fred Hollows Foundation, which treats avoidable blindness worldwide and in Australia’s Indigenous communities. Overall, WA has donated $5.9 million to the Fred Hollows Foundation over the past 12 months. Founding director Gabi Hollows says she was buoyed by Geraldton’s support for the foundation. “Nine out of 10 cases of blindness and vision impairment are preventable or treatable. Together, we can do something about it and Australians are proving that even in challenging times, community spirit can change lives,” she said. “Thank you Greater Geraldton for allowing us to keep Fred’s vision of ending avoidable blindness alive.” The money raised goes towards helping the not-for-profit group treat and prevent avoidable blindness, with more than eight million eye screenings and 560 eye surgeries performed globally in 2025. The Fred Hollows Foundation also treats 16.5 million people for trachoma — the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness. This year, a new study co-authored by The Fred Hollows Foundation found that each dollar invested in eye health returns $28 in economic benefit, making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions.