World-class eye care centre in Nepal donates a day’s wages to the Australian bushfire appeal
Share
Staff at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal, established with the support of Fred Hollows, have generously decided to donate a day’s wages to the Australian bushfire appeal.
Hollywood director and actor Joel Edgerton was visiting Nepal last week in his role as a Fred Hollows Foundation Ambassador, and personally thanked staff at Tilganga.
The world-class eye care centre was borne from a close friendship between Fred and Dr Sanduk Ruit, then a young doctor from the mountains of Nepal. Both men shared a passion to make the best possible eye care accessible to people in the developing world.
“Our thoughts are with the Australian people as they go through the bushfire crisis. Australia has also been incredibly generous and supportive to Nepal, and we wanted to show our love and thanks,” Dr Ruit said.
The Fred Hollows Foundation’s CEO Ian Wishart thanked staff at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology for supporting Australia during its time of need.
“I thank everyone at The Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology for their very generous donation and well wishes to Australia,” Wishart said.
“The longstanding ties between The Foundation and Tilganga are a mark of enduring friendship between our two countries,” he said. “We can achieve so much when we work together, and of course we acknowledge the support we have continued to receive from the Australian Government and our wonderful donors.”
Since its establishment, Tilganga has restored sight to millions of people and continues to partner with The Fred Hollows Foundation, treating more than 6,000 patients each week.
Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.
