A very special Canungra resident is encouraging others to give kindness.
Camryn Simpson is the recipient of the Fred Hollows Foundation Junior Ambassador Award for showing outstanding care and compassion to others.
In 2022, Camryn, who then attended Year 6 at Canungra State School, was nominated by her aunt Kate Simpson for her incredible fundraising efforts.
“Camryn is the most empathetic young lady,” Kate said.
“In 2021, she cut her hair for the first time in nine years to donate and raise $43,000 for kids cancer. She spends time teaching Auslan to her peers to support her non-verbal sister.”
“Last year she lost her nanna to cancer and now calls her grandpa religiously every day to check in and make sure he always has someone to talk to.”
Since 2012, the Fred Hollows Humanity Award has recognised more than 2,000 students from across the nation, who follow in Fred’s footsteps by making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Camryn said her award means a lot to her.
“It is really special,” she said.
“It shows I’ve put in a lot of hard work, that I care about people and that I have made a difference in the world.”
She began teaching Auslan to students at Canungra State School so they could communicate with her sister, Blakely and is pleased that this is being continued at the school today.
Camryn is preparing to cut and donate her hair again but said she won’t be fundraising this time, saying it was a lot of money for people to donate.
Currently in Year 7 at Rivermount College, Camryn is considering a career as a vet or a neurologist when she finishes school.
When she isn’t studying or fundraising, she enjoys dance, rugby, speaking out competitions and cheerleading.
Nominations are currently open for the 2023 Fred Hollows Junior Ambassador Awards.
Award recipients will be recognised at a virtual presentation ceremony in Term 4 of the school year. A 2023 Junior Ambassador to The Foundation will also be announced for Queensland.
The Humanity Award’s charity partner Specsavers will generously donate $5,000 on behalf of this Junior Ambassador towards The Fred Hollows Foundation’s work globally to help end avoidable blindness.
Nominations can be made via https://www.hollows.org/au/humanityaward
Nominations close at 11.59pm on Friday, 21 July 2023.
