The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North committee is working toward raising over $280,000 to support its sustainable agriculture project and similar initiatives. During the festival’s opening in Labasa on Saturday, committee president Zaheen Ibrahim shared these insights.
Ibrahim noted that plans are in place to establish a sustainable greenhouse garden at the Labasa Divisional Hospital as part of the initiative. This year’s festival theme is ‘Sustainable Agriculture and a Green Economy for the Northern Division,’ and activities are scheduled from August 31 to September 7.
The aim of the greenhouse project is to enable the hospital to meet its food needs and reduce expenses on purchasing vegetables from external sources, ensuring a fresh supply for patients.
Nilesh Singh, the chief guest at the festival’s opening and head of recharge sales and distribution at Vodafone Fiji, commended the committee for their efforts to assist the community. He emphasized that the festival offers contestants a platform to represent their communities and urged them to seize this opportunity fully.
The week-long event will feature twelve queen contestants and three king participants. Ibrahim encouraged the northern community to support the festival, highlighting that proceeds from stall fees are vital for the income generation of stall owners. Another initiative includes the construction of restroom facilities at Subrail Park Ground Two, aimed at enhancing the venue’s capacity for future events, with an estimated cost of $18,000.