The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North, held last month, successfully raised $327,000. Zaheen Ibrahim, president of the festival committee, remarked that the seven months of planning proved beneficial for the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors, particularly the festival committee.
Ibrahim announced the significant fundraising total during a thanksgiving event on Saturday in Labasa. The festival took place at Subrail Park in Labasa from August 31 to September 7. Notably, Ibrahim is the first female president of the festival committee.
She expressed gratitude for the friendships and teamwork that contributed to the festival’s success. “This is a moment to recognize the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our committee members,” Ibrahim stated.
She highlighted that the committee faced various challenges throughout the planning process and expressed appreciation for their efforts at the event. Special plaques and certificates were awarded to committee members, with a particular acknowledgment for major sponsors like Vodafone Fiji, whose support was vital for the festival’s success.
Ibrahim expressed hope for continued sponsorship in the future. Nilesh Singh, Vodafone’s head of recharge and operations, who was the chief guest, confirmed their commitment to maintaining the partnership, emphasizing the importance of community outreach.
Ibrahim noted that the festival raised the bar for performance standards by selecting high-quality contestants who showcased their talents throughout the week. The families of the contestants were also recognized for motivating their loved ones to excel.
A portion of the festival’s charitable efforts included the construction of restroom facilities at Subrail Park’s ground two and the donation of musical equipment to Nabala Secondary School, with more projects planned for the future.