As an industry leader, our role goes far beyond delivering exceptional experiences for guests. We also have a responsibility to give back to the communities and ecosystems around us. Social responsibility lies at the heart of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ ethos.
For many, the festive season is a time for celebration, connection, and compassion—and this year, Colombo’s animal lovers have a special reason to gather. On 29th and 30th November, the SantaPaws Christmas Extravaganza, a vibrant two-day charity pop-up sale, will take place at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. The event, spearheaded by animal welfare champion Anusha David and the dedicated team at Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS), brings together craft vendors, artisanal product makers, home bakers, and conscious brands, all united by one purpose: raising vital funds for the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of Sri Lanka’s abandoned and mistreated animals.
As shoppers browse through festive stalls brimming with gifts and goodies, every purchase will directly support RAS’s tireless work. Cinnamon Grand, one of Colombo’s leading hospitality brands, has stepped forward as the venue sponsor for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful social impact.
Ahead of the event, we sat down with Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo to learn more about the partnership and why Cinnamon Grand is supporting this initiative.
Q What inspired Cinnamon Grand to partner with Rescue Animals Sri Lanka for this environmental and animal welfare initiative?
At Cinnamon Grand, we believe in supporting initiatives that create a lasting and positive impact on our community and the environment. Rescue Animals Sri Lanka is doing incredible work giving a voice to the voiceless—countless animals who rely on the kindness and advocacy of people. We recognise the importance of standing beside such causes. As part of our CSR efforts, we have built a strong, ongoing partnership with RAS, and we are honoured to be the official venue sponsor for the second time. It’s a privilege to support their remarkable efforts.
Q As the venue sponsor, what can guests expect from the upcoming SantaPaws charity pop-up sale, and how is Cinnamon Grand contributing to its success?
Guests can look forward to an inspiring, festive, and engaging event that brings together people who care deeply about animal welfare. The SantaPaws Christmas Extravaganza will feature an exciting variety of stalls with unique items—perfect for holiday gifting—while supporting a meaningful cause. As the venue sponsor, Cinnamon Grand is delighted to provide a premium setting that elevates the overall experience for organisers, vendors, and visitors. Our teams are working hand in hand with RAS to ensure the event runs seamlessly. We are committed to helping make this initiative a success.
Q Why is it important for leading hospitality brands like Cinnamon Grand to engage in social responsibility initiatives like this one?
As an industry leader, our role goes far beyond delivering exceptional experiences for guests. We also have a responsibility to give back to the communities and ecosystems around us. Social responsibility lies at the heart of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ ethos. Initiatives like this align with our commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and compassionate living. By supporting causes such as animal welfare, we can make meaningful contributions while setting a positive example for others in the industry.
Q Beyond hosting the event, is Cinnamon Grand taking any long-term steps to promote animal welfare or environmental sustainability?
Absolutely. Our commitment extends well beyond a single annual event. We maintain a long-term partnership with RAS and continuously explore ways to support their ongoing work. Cinnamon Grand has also implemented several initiatives—such as ensuring safe, humane care for the feline population at the hotel—which reflect our dedication to ethical treatment of animals. Sustainability is central to our operations, and we actively reduce our environmental footprint through responsible waste management, energy conservation, and community-driven projects.
Q What message do you hope this collaboration sends to the community, and how do you envision it making a lasting impact on Colombo’s stray animal population?
This partnership shows how powerful collective action can be. Stray animals are often overlooked, yet they are part of our urban fabric. Through collaborations like this, we can raise awareness, inspire compassion, and create sustainable long-term solutions. Every attendee, every purchase, every act of support at the Santa Paws Christmas Extravaganza directly contributes to improving the lives of Sri Lanka’s vulnerable animals. Our hope is that more individuals and organisations are encouraged to step forward—because meaningful change happens when we work together.
