The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North, which took place from August 31 to September 7, recently announced a remarkable fundraising total of $327,000. Festival committee president Zaheen Ibrahim revealed this record achievement during a thanksgiving event held on Saturday in Labasa.
Ibrahim, who made history as the first female president of the festival committee, credited the success to seven months of dedicated preparations, highlighting the contributions of the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors. She emphasized the importance of the relationships formed with volunteers, which played a crucial role in ensuring the festival’s success.
During the celebration, special plaques and certificates were presented to committee members in recognition of their hard work and resilience. Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the major sponsor, Vodafone Fiji, and other corporate supporters, stating, “Without our sponsors, this festival would not have been successful.”
Looking ahead, Ibrahim expressed her hope that such sponsorships will continue in the future. Chief guest Nilesh Singh, Vodafone’s head of recharge and operations, assured attendees of their continued partnership and underscored the significance of community outreach.
Ibrahim also noted that the festival elevated the standard of performance by selecting high-quality contestants who showcased their talents throughout the week. Acknowledgment was given to the families of the contestants for their supportive roles in encouraging their loved ones to excel.
From the funds raised, some projects have already been completed, including a new washroom facility at Subrail Park ground two and the donation of musical equipment to Nabala Secondary School. Further initiatives are expected to commence shortly.