Capital landmark lights up for cancer awareness

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Deputy speaker of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua, centre, was chief guest at the launch of the GPH landmark lighting event to commemorate World Cancer Day last week. Ms Qereqeretabua is pictured here with GPH staff, Fiji Cancer Society staff and invited guests Picture: GPH/SUPPLIED

The Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) Suva illuminated its landmark façade in orange and blue to mark World Cancer Day and joined a global landmark lighting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control.

The lighting last week, held in partnership with the Fiji Cancer Society, formed part of World Cancer Day observances held annually on February 4, uniting communities worldwide in raising awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and care.

“Landmark lighting provides a powerful way to make cancer awareness visible within our community,” cluster director of Sales & Marketing, IHG Hotels & Resorts Doreen Huon said.

“Through initiatives like this and Cup of Kindness, we are able to support the Fiji Cancer Society while engaging our guests and teams in causes that matter.”

Alongside the landmark lighting, the FNPF-owned IHG Hotels in Fiji also extended their support through Cup of Kindness, a monthly community initiative delivered across InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel Suva, and Holiday Inn Suva

Under the initiative, 100 percent of proceeds from nominated coffee sales are donated to local organisations and causes providing direct community benefit.

Two Cup of Kindness events in January and February were expected to raise about $5000 in support of the Fiji Cancer Society’s education, awareness and patient support programmes across Fiji.

“By supporting World Cancer Day through landmark lighting and practical fundraising initiatives, we are able to stand alongside organisations delivering essential health services and awareness programmes,” IHG Hotels & Resorts regional general manager Fiji and Pacific, Lachlan Walker said.

“Our hotels are owned by the people of Fiji through the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), and that ownership carries a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve.”

Fiji Cancer Society chief executive officer Belinda Chan welcomed the continued partnership and its impact.

“Being part of a global initiative such as World Cancer Day helps keep cancer awareness visible at both a national and international level,” she said. “Support from partners like the FNPF-owned IHG Hotels in Fiji enables us to strengthen education efforts, promote early detection, and provide ongoing support to individuals and families affected by cancer.”

The GPH first participated in the landmark lighting initiative in 2022 and has continued its involvement each year as a visible show of solidarity with those affected by cancer.

GPH’s facade is lit up on February 4 to commemorate World Cancer Day and help raise awareness and advocacy. Picture: GPH/SUPPLIED