The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North aims to raise over $280,000 to support its sustainable agriculture projects, according to committee president Zaheen Ibrahim, who announced the fundraising goal during the festival’s opening in Labasa on Saturday.
This year’s festival theme is “Sustainable Agriculture and a Green Economy for the Northern Division,” and the event will take place from August 31 to September 7. Ms. Ibrahim highlighted plans for a sustainable greenhouse garden at the Labasa Divisional Hospital, which aims to provide self-sufficiency for the hospital’s food needs, reducing costs associated with purchasing vegetables from external suppliers and ensuring fresh produce availability for patients.
Nilesh Singh, the chief guest at the festival opening and head of recharge sales and distribution at Vodafone Fiji, commended the committee for its efforts to benefit the local community, emphasizing the festival’s role in allowing contestants to represent their communities. He encouraged the contestants to make the most of this opportunity.
The week-long event features twelve queen contestants and three king participants. Ms. Ibrahim urged northern residents to support the festival, noting that proceeds from stall fees will be vital for generating income for stall owners. Another initiative includes building washroom facilities at Subrail Park Ground Two, which is expected to cost around $18,000, to improve the venue’s ability to host more events.