Last month’s Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North successfully raised $327,000 during its week-long celebration. Festival committee president Zaheen Ibrahim shared this record amount during a thanksgiving event held on Saturday in Labasa, following the festival which took place at Subrail Park from August 31 to September 7.
Ibrahim, who made history as the first female president of the festival committee, expressed gratitude for the support from organizers, volunteers, and sponsors. She emphasized the importance of the friendships developed within the committee and the hard work put in by its members.
“It is a time to appreciate the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our committee members,” Ibrahim stated. She acknowledged the challenges faced during the preparation phase and praised the efforts made to overcome them.
During the event, special plaques and certificates were awarded to committee members. Ibrahim highlighted the crucial role of major sponsors, particularly Vodafone Fiji, and other corporate supporters in making the event a success. “Without our sponsors, this festival would not have been successful,” she remarked.
Ibrahim expressed hope for continued sponsorship in the future. Nilesh Singh, Vodafone’s head of recharge and operations, who was the chief guest, assured that they would maintain their partnership, emphasizing the importance of community outreach.
The festival saw an enhancement in performance quality, with carefully selected contestants showcasing their talents throughout the week. Acknowledgment was given to the families of the contestants for their motivational support.
Funds from the festival’s charity initiatives have already contributed to projects, including the construction of a washroom facility at Subrail Park and the donation of musical equipment to Nabala Secondary School. Additional projects are set to commence soon.