After a week filled with lively events dedicated to charitable efforts, Vani Dianilawe Tobakarakarawa, a 20-year-old student from the University of Fiji, has been crowned the new queen of the Vodafone Sugar Festival 2024.
Vani, who hails from Waciwaci, Lakeba, in Lau, and has maternal ties to Yalobi, Waya, in Yasawa, expressed her overwhelming gratitude on Saturday night, stating, “Words are not enough to express how grateful I am.” She acknowledged the challenges she faced but credited the support and guidance she received from many wonderful individuals, including her fellow contestants.
Sponsored by Travel Consultant and Tours, Vani plans to use her reign to advocate for religious organizations in the fight against illicit drugs. She emphasized the vital role churches have taken in stepping outside their traditional roles to help affected youth, offering them a safe space and essential social support.
The chief guest at the event, Vodafone’s Chief Financial Officer Farheen Saheb, underscored the festival’s charitable mission. She stated, “Charity for the needy is not just a theme for this festival; it reminds us of our shared responsibility to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate and to work towards a more inclusive society.”