Last month, the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North successfully raised $327,000 over the course of a week-long event. Festival committee president Zaheen Ibrahim noted that seven months of preparation bore fruitful results for the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors, particularly the festival committee itself.
Ms. Ibrahim announced the record fundraising total during a thanksgiving program held on Saturday in Labasa. The festival took place at Subrail Park from August 31 to September 7. Remarkably, Ms. Ibrahim is the first woman to hold the position of president for the festival committee.
During her address, Ms. Ibrahim emphasized the value of the friendships established among the committee’s volunteers, which contributed significantly to the festival’s success. “This is a moment to acknowledge the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our committee members,” she stated, highlighting their ability to overcome challenges throughout the preparation phase.
At the event, special plaques and certificates were awarded to committee members, and Ms. Ibrahim expressed gratitude to key sponsors, especially Vodafone Fiji, along with other corporate entities that provided essential financial support for the festival’s operations. “Without our sponsors, this festival would not have been successful,” she reiterated.
Looking ahead, Ms. Ibrahim expressed hope for continued sponsorship in future events. Nilesh Singh, Vodafone’s head of recharge and operations, was the chief guest and assured that their partnership would persist, emphasizing the importance of community outreach in connecting with people at the grassroots level.
Ms. Ibrahim remarked on the enhanced quality of performances this year, credited to the selection of skilled contestants who showcased their talents throughout the week. She also acknowledged the support of contestants’ families in encouraging them to excel beyond their comfort zones.
The festival has already contributed to completed projects, including the construction of a washroom facility at Subrail Park ground two. Additionally, musical equipment has been donated to Nabala Secondary School, with plans for further projects to commence soon.