JOHN FAWCETT FOUNDATION
Annual Report 2021
Chairmen’s Reports JOHN FAWCETT FOUNDATION (AUSTRALIA) We used the downturn to focus on increasing the number of participating Outreach Clinics. At the end of 2021 we had five participating clinics, up from three at the beginning of the year. I would like to express our deep appreciation to our financial supporters who have continued to support the Foundation magnificently despite the difficult financial environment.
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021 was another challenging year for the Foundation.
In 2019 we performed 4,497 cataract surgeries. In 2020 this number was 772. In 2021 it was 963. Village programs and offshore eye programs could not be held for most of 2021 and at various times during the year COVID restrictions closed our Outreach Clinics and headquarters activities. While the village, offshore and headquarters activities were not back to full capacity by the end of the year, we are confident that we will see an increase in these programs in 2022.
I can report that the Foundation is in a healthy financial position. We have experienced an increase in our revenue and a reduction in our operating expenses. We look forward to being able to fully utilise our strong balance sheet to increase our sight restoration work into the future. During the year we were made aware of the critical need for frontline hospital workers in Indonesia to receive additional personal protective equipment. The Foundation is pleased to report that at short notice we were able to source and supply a substantial amount of PPE to assist at this critical time.
DAVID MILLER OAM
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It has been and remains the Board’s objective to ensure that the Foundation’s operation preparedness remains high. The Board believes that the Foundation will be able to substantially increase our operational capacity as soon as medical conditions allow. At the end of 2021 David Craig advised that he had decided that it is no longer practicable for him to continue his registration as an auditor. I would like to thank David for the work and assistance that he voluntarily provided to the Foundation. I am pleased to be able to report that Ken Thomas of Paragon Consulting of 160 Stirling Hwy, Nedlands, has offered his services as the honorary auditor to the Foundation. The Board has asked me to make mention of the outstanding work performed by Gede Bingin, Penny Lane and all our wonderful staff in Bali during these difficult times.
