“She is always enthusiastic and first to volunteer for things. She cares a lot about the vulnerable, and is very generous.”
That compassion was on full display when Holly took fundraising for World Vision into her own hands.
Asked to raise around $10, Holly instead raised $113 by helping organise a talent show, cooking food to sell, charging entry for performers and even collecting donations from the audience.
Holly was one of nine young Kiwis selected as finalists for the humanity awards from dozens of nominations nationwide.
The overall winner, 10-year-old Ollie Clark from Palmerston North, was named the 2025 Fred Hollows Humanity Awards Junior Ambassador.
Holly said she was “surprised and happy” to receive the award, which was given to her at a Girls’ Brigade awards night.
She also enjoyed the fundraising efforts for World Vision which earned her the nomination.
“It felt fun to work at the talent show while also raising money for people in Africa,” she said.
Dr Audrey Aumua, chief executive officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, said stories like Holly’s show there is plenty of hope for the future.
“We received nominations from all around New Zealand and were so impressed with the calibre of children who were nominated.
“It’s inspiring to read about the many young humanitarians across Aotearoa who are showing compassion, kindness and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference.”
The Fred Hollows Humanity Awards are a global initiative to celebrate young people who show compassion, integrity and kindness in their everyday lives – values lived by the late Professor Fred Hollows.
Any young person aged 9 to 11 can be nominated by a teacher, coach, community leader or family member for making a positive difference at school or in their community.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
