Magna Motors Dealership Limited, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Jamaica, hosted its Pink Love Candlelight Soirée at its facility at 7 Oxford Road, New Kingston, on October 14. 

The soiree, as part of the Hyundai Jamaica brand’s ongoing Pink Love initiative, was a symbolic event held in recognition of World Mammogram Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Enthusiastic guests gathered in the candle-laden Magna Motors showroom for the intimate affair, to join the Hyundai team in its aim to deepen support of the breast cancer warriors and survivors across Jamaica and around the world, and to ‘shine a light of hope’ in their direction.

Bursts of pink, from favours down to the dress code, created an ambience of warmth reflecting themes of femininity, strength and togetherness in solidarity for the cause.

Speaking on the reason for the brand’s focus on breast cancer awareness, Erick Gutierrez, Magna Motors Dealership Limited’s chief executive officer, told the attendees that “the Hyundai Jamaica brand has enjoyed receiving many achievements and accolades over the years, but what has been most fulfilling is the collective efforts of our employees, our customers, and our partners to help us carry out our mandate of building the nation and nurturing our people. This is because, at Hyundai, we are about family”.

He continued, revealing that “breast cancer is as real for us at Magna Motors-Hyundai Jamaica as it is for several women across the country”.

He added: “Our very own team member, Kadian Meikle, has been personally affected, and we have seen first-hand how difficult it can be to navigate and overcome.”

Brave women like Meikle, a Magna Motors employee and breast cancer warrior, were central to the affair, showing strength as they related their journey in the fight against breast cancer.

Meikle’s inspiring story had the audience entranced as she retraced her steps of bravery. During her address, she shared her emotional journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Meikle was joined by two-time breast cancer survivor and activist, Sonia Morris, who, through her Heart and Soul Cancer Foundation, has been a beacon, diligently working to support women like her who have been affected in rural Jamaica, providing financial and other resources.

She shared: “The way to reduce the negative effect of breast cancer is through early detection.”

The brand opened its platform to not only share first-hand experiences but provide preventative education.

Dr Andrei Cooke, in his presentation, seemed to remove the sting of the dreaded breast cancer demon, as he educated the audience about the need for early and regular screening as the best tool to stem the tide of breast cancer. 

Magna Motors’ Commercial and Customer Relationship Manager Etmour Williams beamed with pride about the company being able to donate time and resources for research and much-needed medical services, as well as fund initiatives like the Jamaica Cancer Society and the Heart and Soul Cancer Foundation Jamaica. 

Speaking enthusiastically about the support for the Magna Motors-Hyundai Pink Love initiative, he said: “Since we launched our Pink Love breast cancer campaign in 2020, we have been able to, in our own way, help bring awareness and provide assistance to individuals and various institutions across the island. That is why we are so grateful to our team, our valued customers and our stakeholders, for their contribution and support over the years and I would like to express special gratitude to these two brave women this evening who courageously and publicly shared their battles with breast cancer with us.”

He continued, announcing: “This year we encourage the public to support the cause and get involved by test-driving a Hyundai Creta Grand; and every time someone test-drives the Creta Grand, Hyundai pledges US$5 to the Heart & Soul Cancer Foundation. We hope that through these efforts, we will better understand the impact of the disease on people’s lives, and we will walk away with a renewed commitment to the fight.”