Solomon Airlines staff spread Christmas cheer at National Referral Hospital

Solomon Airlines staff helped to share the spirit of Christmas with a visit to the Children’s Ward, Orthopedic Ward, Medical Ward and the Cancer Unit at the National Referral Hospital on 21st December 2023.

Thirty staff from multiple departments across the airline arrived at the hospital in Christmas hats and Solomon Airlines’ staff uniform, bearing gifts and bringing smiles wherever they went.

They distributed Christmas gifts and donations to the children. There are currently 40 young patients receiving treatment in the Children’s Ward who received gifts and whilst the remaining gifts were presented to 100 patients between the Orthopedic Ward and Medical Ward. Solomon Airlines also presented the Children's Ward with cartons of new pillows and blankets. 

The airline also made a cash donation to the National Referral Hospital Cancer Unit Trust Fund to support patients and services.

“These gestures of giving, come under our ongoing Laeflaen “Wings of Change” charity initiative which we launched in July.  Our effort is ongoing to support Solomon Islands children’s charities and worthwhile causes which are meaningful to our staff,” said Solomon Airlines CEO (Acting) Napoleon Padabela.

“We believe strongly in the power of collective kindness and the strength of community support,” he said.

“Visiting the children’s ward is something our team very much wished to do and so we are closing the year by bringing a little joy and cheer to the young patients this festive season,” he said.

“As part of our corporate social responsibility, we are committed to the principle of supporting our broader community. Through the engagement of our people, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with like-minded organisations, we aim to do our part to help create a more inclusive and compassionate society,” Mr Padabela said.

“Our contribution to the important work of the National Referral Cancer Unit is also very meaningful to us as cancer is an issue across the community including for members of our own staff who like so many others are bravely battling cancer at this time.

“We hope to contribute to the life-saving work and facilities of the cancer unit and via them, to provide support to patients and their families,” he added.

“From all of us at Solomon Airlines, we wish all of the patients we met today good health, happiness, peace, and prosperity this Christmas and in the years ahead.”