The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North held last month successfully raised $327,000 over the course of a week.
Zaheen Ibrahim, the festival committee president, expressed that the extensive seven months of preparation proved fruitful for the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and especially the festival committee. She revealed the record-breaking total at a thanksgiving event in Labasa on Saturday. The festival took place at Subrail Park in Labasa from August 31 to September 7.
As the first female president of the festival committee, Ms. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of the relationships formed with volunteers and supporters in ensuring the festival’s success. She stated, “It is a time to appreciate the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our committee members,” acknowledging the challenges they overcame during the planning phase and celebrating their commitment during the event.
During the event, special plaques and certificates were awarded to committee members. Ms. Ibrahim recognized the significant contributions of major sponsors, including Vodafone Fiji and other corporate partners, who provided financial support for the festival’s operations. She stressed that without their backing, the festival would not have achieved such success.
She expressed hope for continued sponsorship in the future. Nilesh Singh, Vodafone’s head of recharge and operations, confirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining its partnership, stating that community outreach plays a crucial role in connecting with grassroots individuals and communities.
Ms. Ibrahim highlighted their efforts to elevate the standard of performances by selecting quality contestants who showcased their talents throughout the week. She also acknowledged the support of contestants’ families, who motivated them to step out of their comfort zones and deliver exceptional performances.
Among the completed projects funded by the festival’s charitable initiatives is the construction of a new washroom facility at Subrail Park ground two. Additionally, a set of musical equipment has been donated to Nabala Secondary School, with more projects set to commence soon.