Melbourne agency Thick As Thieves is set to crack a monumental achievement this weekend when it surpasses $500,000 raised in donations for the Fred Hollows Foundation.
Led by founding director Mike Toner, the music touring and events company has raised $496,000 for the Foundation in its work to end avoidable blindness since the campaign began in 2011 with institutional venue, Revolver.
As well as donating proceeds from the door at music events, bar percentage, artist donations and personal donations, Toner also took part in an Ironman triathlon in 2015 and participated twice in the Wild Women On Top Melbourne Coastrek 60 km trek in 2017 and 2018 with some team members.
"Our door entry is usually around $25, which is how little it costs The Foundation to restore sight in countries," Toner said.
"I think that people love coming to our events, not only because they have a great time, but because they know they can effectively restore the sight of one person by simply walking through the door."
"At the beginning, we used to ask the DJs if they’d be happy to donate one evening for free to The Fred Hollows Foundation, but it’s been such a success over the years that now, the DJs get in touch to ask if they can do a gig for Fred when they’re in Australia!"
Founding Director of the Fred Hollows Foundation, Gabi Hollows, congratulated Thick As Thieves on the huge achievement.
"Helping restore sight is one of the best gifts someone can give and Mike Toner and his wonderful Thick as Thieves team and supporters have done that thousands of times over," Hollows said.
"It’s absolutely amazing that they’ve raised half a million dollars for us, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support and their help to put so many smiles on people's faces."
For more information about Thick as Thieves’ support of The Fred Hollows Foundation, click here.
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