KOTA KINABALU: The joyous celebration of Christmas kicks off early in Kota Kinabalu this year with Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir lighting up a Christmas tree at one of the leading hotels in the city.
At the event organized by Novotel 1Borneo on Wednesday evening, Abidin also distributed assistance to children from Jireh Home Tuaran, and residents of Sabah AIDS Support Service Association (KASIH).
“In Kota Kinabalu City, we are fortunate that our community is a real community. We’ve kept our local spirit, pride, and where we help each other. It is where we don’t ask for anything in return,” he said.
Commending Novotel for organizing the event, he said the hotel had conducted various impressive charity, community development and environmental programmes.
Novotel 1Borneo general manager Jacques Leizerovici in his welcoming remark at the Christmas Light Up event said it not only marked the start of the festive celebration at the hotel, but also sought to bring the warmth of the season to the less fortunate.
“Christmas is most truly a joyous occasion when we celebrate by giving to those who need it most,” he said.
For the festive season, the Novotel will be giving special dining offers to its guests and customers, with over 180 selections of traditional and fusion dishes to chose from.
Diners at Novotel’s The Square will also stand a chance to win exciting lucky draw prizes, including hampers and 4-day/3-night Starcruise trip from Kota Kinabalu to Bintulu via Brunei.
Kota Kinabalu will be hosting its Annual Gaya Christmas Carnival from Dec 10 – 13.