Merchant Finance staff have raised $10,000 through the company’s Pinktober fundraising campaign and handed the funds to the Fiji Cancer Society to support cancer awareness and people affected by the disease.
The funds were raised through staff-led initiatives, with employees contributing to a cause that affects individuals and families across Fiji.
The cheque handover took place on Tuesday morning at Merchant Finance’s head office at Level 7, FHL Tower.
Fiji Cancer Society chief executive officer Belinda Chan and breast cancer survivor Mere Bogi attended the event.
Merchant Finance general manager central Mitesh Kumar thanked staff for their contributions and highlighted the importance of supporting the society’s work.
“I want to sincerely thank our staff for supporting this year’s Pinktober campaign. Through their generosity, they have helped make today’s contribution possible,” Mr Kumar said.
“Cancer continues to impact many individuals and families across Fiji, and we are proud to support the important work of the Fiji Cancer Society in raising awareness and providing support to those affected. This donation reflects the compassion, generosity and collective effort of our staff.”
Ms Chan thanked Merchant Finance employees for their support, saying partnerships with organisations helped the society continue its work with cancer patients, survivors and their families.
“While breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, we are also seeing the impact of cervical cancer in Fiji. Awareness, regular screening, HPV vaccination and early detection are critical in improving outcomes and saving lives. Support from organisations such as Merchant Finance enables us to continue educating communities and aiding those affected by cancer,” Ms Chan said.
During the event, 59-year-old breast cancer survivor Ms Bogi shared her experience and encouraged people to prioritise their health and undergo regular screening.
Ms Bogi said her cancer was detected after she attended a Fiji Cancer Society outreach event last year, where she was encouraged to undergo further testing and referred for a scan. The scan led to the detection of her breast cancer, and she subsequently received treatment, including surgery.
She now advocates for greater cancer awareness and early detection.
“If I had not attended that outreach program and gone for further testing, my story could have been very different. Early detection saved my life, and I encourage everyone to get checked and take their health seriously,” Ms Bogi said.
Speakers at the event urged people to undergo regular screening, pay attention to changes in their health and seek medical advice when symptoms appear. They also encouraged the public to make use of cancer screening and awareness programs available in their communities.
Merchant Finance thanked staff who contributed to the Pinktober campaign and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community initiatives.
