Lady Alice Waena took to the skies of Honiara today in support of Solomon Islands' inaugural Pink Ribbon Day which aims to raise funds for fighting women's cancers in Solomon Islands.

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands is hosting a gala charity dinner next Monday in support of Pink Ribbon Day where it will auction a helicopter ride as the main fundraising event.

As Patron of Pink Ribbon Day, the Governor General's wife accompanied by her Lady-in-Waiting today took her first trip ever in a helicopter to help publicise the event.
"I am very happy that we are getting such strong support from RAMSI and the Community," Lady Waena told local media after the trip.

"Breast and cervical cancer and cancer of the uterus are some of the biggest killers of our women in Solomon Islands so there is a lot of work to be done in this area."
The First Lady's Charity has started to look at how it could raise the funds to purchase expensive equipment needed for the basic diagnosis of such diseases Lady Waena said. "Now that we are getting such wonderful support through the Pink Ribbon Day activities, we have a chance to get started on this new initiative."

The Commander of RAMSI's Participating Police Force, Denis McDermott, said he was happy that Solomon Islands was now going to have its own Pink Ribbon Day devoted to raising funds in support of fighting cancer in women. "It's a great opportunity for everyone to get together have some fun and support a good cause," the commander said.

While enjoying a night of good food and entertainment, ticket-purchasers are also helping to increase awareness of women's' cancer and to raise money to fight this terrible disease he said. "We hope the event can be run at this time every year with all the money raised going to help Solomon Islands women combat cancer."

Traditionally, Pink Ribbon Day has helped to raise money for breast cancer research, but the Solomon Islands event will also include other forms of cancer affecting women.

Guests at the Dinner will be entertained by the Australian Navy Band, a professional didgeridoo player, and a magician from Australia. In addition, guests will be able to bid for several grand prizes, including a helicopter ride for two over Guadalcanal, a pink laptop computer, a bicycle, and various other sporting equipment items.