Fairmont Vancouver Airport is celebrating cherry blossom season with the 1,000 Crane Challenge, a fundraising initiative supporting Make-A-Wish Canada. From March 28 to April 29, guests can participate by folding origami cranes and contributing to a meaningful cause.
Guests can donate $3 to Make-A-Wish Canada by purchasing a Bento Box at Jetside Bar or making a direct donation at the hotel’s front desk. Each donation includes origami paper and instructions for folding a crane, which will be added to a display in the hotel lobby. The Bento Box, priced at $36, offers a selection of Japanese-inspired dishes such as temari sushi with ahi tuna, ikura, and hokkaido scallop; prawn and sweet potato tempura with ponzu sauce; chicken yakitori with tare sauce; and sweet red bean mochi with sakura-cut house-made pickles.
The initiative concludes on April 29, marking World Wish Day. Throughout the campaign, guests and employees will have contributed to a growing installation, symbolizing hope and support for children with critical illnesses.
Folding 1,000 origami cranes, known as senbazuru, is a Japanese tradition that represents hope, healing, and good fortune. The practice became widely recognized through Sadako Sasaki, a young girl from Hiroshima who folded cranes while undergoing treatment for leukemia. Today, it serves as a symbol of encouragement for those facing illness.
To complement the seasonal theme, Fairmont Vancouver Airport will feature a decorative cherry tree in Jetside Bar, set against panoramic views of YVR’s airside operations and the North Shore Mountains. The restaurant is introducing two cocktails inspired by Japanese flavours. The Paper Crane ($22) is a take on the classic Paper Plane, featuring Suntory Toki Whisky, yuzu, and citrus notes, garnished with an origami crane. The Sakura Spritz ($21) combines sake, rosé wine, cherry purée, and yuzu juice for a floral, refreshing drink.
Ranked among the top airport hotels worldwide, Fairmont Vancouver Airport is located steps from the US Departures level at Vancouver International Airport. The hotel offers soundproof rooms, a health club, and an on-site spa. Guests can experience the flavours of the Pacific Northwest through thoughtfully crafted dishes featuring sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
For more information, visit Fairmont Vancouver Airport and Make-A-Wish Canada.