Christmas came early for 14 children from the Walk On Walk Strong (WOWS) Kids’ Foundation yesterday as they were part of the Returnees Week at the Mana Resort and Spa yesterday.

The Returnees Week is an annual programme for frequent guests to Mana. More than 50 loyal guests from Australia and New Zealand are here for the event.

The reunion is also an opportunity for returning guests to select a charitable organisation to assist.

This year they chose WOWS Kids Foundation. WOWS Fiji assists children with cancer and other life threatening diseases. The children joined the returnees for a treat at the Mana Island Resort yesterday.

The treat included lunch, presentation of gifts and plane rides on Pacific Island Air.

“This is possible through the partnership of the Mana Resort & Spa and the Returnees’ Club. That is now extended to some charitable organisations,” General Manager Patrick Wong said.

“We have had a partnership with the Fiji Cancer Society for quite some time now; it is important that we partner with stakeholders by giving back to the local community,” he said.

“Our philosophy is looking after the welfare of the staff; some of whom have been diagnosed with cancer so by looking after the welfare of staff we decided to partner with Fiji Cancer Society.”

This is the first time the WOWS children are part of this partnership.

WOW Kids Representative Sina Kami said the invitation meant a lot for the foundation.

She said this would be a benchmark for tourists.

“The support and opportunity to share our stories with tourists is wonderful,” Ms Kami said.

Mana Returnees representative Leigh Smart said they had raised $6000 which the Mana Management will match with a dollar to a dollar to total the money raised for the cause to $12,000.

Among the guests was 92-years-old Audrey Cook, from Sydney who has visited Mana Island over 93 times.

Ms Cook, 92, said she always considered Mana Island her home, and loved the Fijian hospitality portrayed by the people.

Leigh and Colleen Smart have been visiting Fiji for over 40 years.

This year the couple have donated over 450 prescription glasses to  kids who needed them.

“This time we have brought over two blood pressure machines, and 20 iPads for the children, the remaining eight will go to the children in Lautoka and Suva so they can have something to play with while they come in for treatment to make their lives easier.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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