In celebration of Vancouver’s cherry blossom season, Fairmont Vancouver Airport is launching an initiative to fold 1,000 origami cranes in support of Make-A-Wish Canada. From March 28 to April 29, guests and employees alike are invited to participate in The 1,000 Crane Challenge alongside fundraising efforts in Jetside Bar.
Guests can contribute to the cause by donating $3 to Make-A-Wish Canada, either through the purchase of a Bento Box at Jetside Bar, or by direct donation at the front desk. For each donation, guests will receive an origami paper and instructions to fold a crane, which will then be added to a growing installation displayed in the hotel lobby. The Bento Box, priced at $36, is available for lunch or dinner and features a curated selection of Japanese-inspired delicacies, including 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.
On April 29, World Wish Day, Fairmont Vancouver Airport will conclude the fundraiser, celebrating the generosity of guests and employees who contributed throughout the cherry blossom season.
“As we welcome cherry blossom season, the tradition of folding 1,000 cranes provides a meaningful and interactive way to support an incredible cause,” says Lesliann Kuhn, Director, Sales & Marketing at Fairmont Vancouver Airport. “This season, our Bento Box has been designated as the ‘Wish Dish,’ building on our festive fundraiser and inviting guests to actively participate in granting a wish for a critically ill child through Make-A-Wish Canada.”
The Significance of 1,000 Cranes
Rooted in Japanese tradition, the act of folding 1,000 origami cranes, known as senbazuru, symbolizes hope, healing, and good fortune. Many believe that folding 1,000 cranes will grant a wish or a lifetime of good luck. The practice gained prominence through Sadako Sasaki, a young girl from Hiroshima who folded cranes while battling leukemia. Today, it remains a universal symbol of support and resilience, especially for those facing illness.
“Every two hours, a child in Canada is diagnosed with a critical illness, and right now, nearly 4,000 children are waiting for their wish to be granted — including over 500 right here in our region,” says Christie Buono, Chapter Director, Make-A-Wish Canada, BC & Yukon Chapter. “That’s why we’re so grateful for the incredible generosity of Fairmont Vancouver Airport in supporting Make-A-Wish through the 1,000 Crane Challenge campaign. By participating — whether by enjoying a delicious Bento Box or making a direct donation — the community will help us give more courageous children their ‘Best Day Ever.’ Together, we can give these children the greatest gift of all: the chance to dream again.”
A Stunning Cherry Blossom-Inspired Experience
To enhance the seasonal ambiance, Fairmont Vancouver Airport will install a decorative cherry tree in the center of Jetside Bar, providing a breathtaking contrast against the restaurant’s panoramic views of YVR’s airside operations and the North Shore Mountains.
Jetside Bar will also be introducing a selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails. The Paper Crane ($22), inspired by the classic Paper Plane, offers a unique twist with Suntory Toki Whisky, bright yuzu, and a delicate balance of citrus, spice, and floral notes, garnished with a small origami crane symbolizing hope and renewal. The Sakura Spritz ($21) blends sake, rosé wine, cherry purée, and yuzu juice, creating a light and floral sangria that captures the essence of cherry blossoms in full bloom.