Charity begins at home in Fiji

In a huge show of support for the Fijian tourism industry and local communities, international surgical company Smith & Nephew has led by example, returning to the Sofitel Fiji Resort on Denarau Island for its second scientific meeting in so many years and generously donating AUD$10,000 to children’s charity, Cure Kids Fiji.

The international Smith & Nephew group of orthopaedic surgeons presented a $10,000 cheque to Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa’s General Manager Paul Stevens who accepted on behalf of Cure Kids Fiji – the Accor hotel group’s charity of choice in the Fiji Islands.

Mr Stevens said, “It’s fantastic to see a leading international business like Smith & Nephew showing their appreciation for Fiji as a conferencing destination by returning for another year. It’s even more satisfying to see a company showing such genuine appreciation and awareness for the local community they are visiting and acknowledging their connection with a wonderful donation for a worthwhile cause.”

The money donated by Smith & Nephew will be used to purchase much needed equipment for underprivileged children in Fiji.

Smith & Nephew Events Manager Annie McMahon said the cash donation was considered a thoughtful way for the company to offer thanks to the local community that has hosted the company for two years.

“Fiji always turns on sunshine and smiles for Smith & Nephew, and this was our way of offering a more meaningful thank you that we hope will leave a lasting impression and assist the local Latouka Hospital to better service the needs of children in the area.”

“As an events manager, it’s always satisfying to work with a company that loves to give back to a community visited on business, more so after one or two conferences when delegates truly begin feeling an affinity with the destination and its people.”

“Sofitel Fiji is not only attracting a high volume of events, but more importantly high quality events, suggesting that we are meeting the demands of a market hungry for innovative,  state-of-the-art, and modern facilities in the region.”

The Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa specialises in inspired and tailored events of distinction that cater to high-end, niche driven incentives within the ‘spare no expense realm’.

As one of Fiji’s premier conferencing hotels, the Sofitel Fiji has hosted numerous corporate and incentive events for everything from high level governments (including China) to private high profile companies (including Holden), trade shows, conferences dinners and weddings.

The resort offers a range of modern and diverse conference venues and facilities, with a versatility that affords a choice of break-out options and areas for morning teas, lunches and cocktails in the evening, as well as special tailored events.

The F$74 million Sofitel Fiji is one of Denarau Island’s newest beachfront resorts, offering one of Fiji’s largest conferencing and events venues with eight meeting rooms and a ballroom seating up to 720 delegates theatre style and 640 for a sit down dinner.

A modern range of additional resort facilities such as an onsite watersports centre, Kids Club, bars, restaurants, private beachfront and lagoon-style resort pool also appeal to corporate travellers who don’t mind mixing business with a little leisure. 

One of the Asia Pacific’s leading spa operators, Mandara, is also available onsite to provide a range of superb treatments and massages for guests without ever having to leave the comforts of the resort. Sofitel Fiji’s beachside Day Spa features nine self contained and private treatment bures for couples or private treatment sessions.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa offer a flexible delegate package priced from FJ$77 per day. This standard package includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and conference room hire. 

Report by The Mole