The award recognises Year 6 students who follow in Fred Hollows’ footsteps by demonstrating compassion, integrity and kindness towards others.

Zoe, who attends St Joseph’s Primary School, was nominated by her sports coach and friend Nicole Weate.

“Zoe has always struck me as a kind, caring and compassionate young lady who is always willing to help anyone at any time,” Ms Weate said.

Nominations for the award are open until September 10 and parents, teachers, principals and members of communities are being encouraged to nominate a child they know who is making a difference, at www.hollows.org/humanityaward.

“Fred used to say the basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other,” The Fred Hollows Foundation founding director Gabi Hollows said.

“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 they know who embodies the values of compassion, integrity and kindness.”

Zoe will be recognised at a presentation ceremony in Sydney later in the year.

A NSW Junior Ambassador will also be recognised and 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.

Since it was established in 2012, the Fred Hollows Humanity Award has recognised more than 750 students who are making a positive difference in the lives of others.