A gift for 
generations

A trailblazing doctor, a proud Carlton supporter and a dog lover, Dr Vivien Hollow spent her life caring for people. Now, through the generous gift she left in her Will, she’s still helping Victorians when they need it most.  

Dr Vivien Hollow was, as her nephew Andrew puts it, “a bit ahead of her time”. As a young woman in the late 1950s, she studied medicine at the University of Melbourne. Beginning her career in Melbourne and Geelong, she moved to Perth in the late 60s, where became a well-respected anaesthetist and intensive care specialist. When she later returned to Victoria, she helped establish the intensive care unit at Maroondah Hospital. 

But medicine was only part of Dr Hollow’s story. She loved her dogs and the Carlton Football Club with equal devotion. She loved travelling, especially through the outback. And, quietly and consistently, she loved giving. 

Andrew says helping people was at the heart of who his aunt was: “It left an indelible mark on her.”

When ill heath meant she could no longer do the job she loved, Dr Hollow continued to make a difference by supporting organisations that make a real, practical impact.

Foodbank Victoria was one of them. 

“With Foodbank, you can see a direct benefit to people who need it most,” says Andrew. “People eat better food, they will hopefully have better health both mental and physical. That speaks volumes.

“Viv was very happy to fly under the radar,” he continues. “She would be absolutely horrified that I’m doing this [interview]. But she’d be bursting with pride at the impact her donations have made.” 

Through the generous gift Dr Hollow left in her Will, that impact continues. Her kindness is helping provide food to Victorians doing it tough today, and for generations to come. “I’m more than extremely proud,” says Andrew, “that her Estate is making the world a better place.” 

This month, we’re teaming up with Safewill for Charity Wills Week (1–21 September), to make leaving your own legacy that little bit easier – and cost-free. By choosing to leave a gift in your Will to Foodbank Victoria, you can help create a future where no Victorian has to go hungry.  

If you’d like to learn more, we’d love to hear from you. 

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