Marriott Launches ‘Solia Lesu’ Initiative

Five hotels have teamed up to establish a food drive that aims to provide 100 meal packs daily.

Solia Lesu initiative

The Solia Lesu initiative was mooted by The Westin Denarau Fiji Resort and Spa, Sheraton Fiji Resort, Sheraton Denarau Villas, Sheraton Tokoriki and Marriott Momi Bay Fiji.

Owned by Marriott International Hotels, the five Fiji based tourism operators donated food to Nadi Hospital last week.

Objective

“The objective of this initiative is to provide meals to associates and their communities affected by coronavirus and Tropical Cyclone Harold,” said Neeraj Chadha, Multi Property Vice President, Fiji and Samoa – Marriott International and General Manager - Sheraton and Westin Resorts.

First responders and health workers were also part of the target audience of the food drive, he said.

“During these challenging and unprecedented times, the wellbeing of our associates is of utmost importance to us.

“This has led us to form the Solia Lesu by Marriott International Fiji Foundation.”

“Translated, solia lesu is iTaukei for giving back,” Mr Chadha said.

Funding

He said funding would be sourced from the generous donations of senior leadership teams across a spectrum of employment sectors.

“We will continue to raise funds by extending our reach to our business partners, family and friends of Fiji, via our Facebook Page- “SOLIA LESU”.

Sheraton Fiji Resort

Meanwhile, Sheraton Fiji Resort, which closed for renovations late last year, donated 40 mattresses and linen to the Nadi Town Council.

Mr Chadha said the beddings would help the council add extra quarantine space for vendors during the coronavirus crisis.

In another development, they Marriott group of hotels in Fiji introduced a $100 a week loan option for its employees who were on leave without pay from March 30, 2020.

Mr Chadha said the loan was expected to be repaid to respective hotels by December 31, 2020.

Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj