Two Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) had received $5000 cheque each from the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation at Subrail Park in Labasa on Saturday night.

They were Labasa Lions Club and Rotary Club of Labasa.

Vodafone Fiji chief marketing officer Rajnesh Prasad said through the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation initiatives of world of difference programmes and other mobile for good channels, they continued to directly engage, educate and empower communities across Fiji.

“We are proud of our contribution back to society in empowering our citizens and giving them a platform such as the festival of the friendly north to excel in life and make a positive contribution back to their communities,” Mr Prasad said.

Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation executive Ambalika Devi said the Labasa Lions Club had been receiving funds from the Foundation since 2006 to support their First Sight programme and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) screening.

“While Rotary Club of Labasa has been receiving funds of similar amount since 2009 to assist their community programmes,” Ms Devi said.

Meanwhile, Mr Prasad said the festival continues to gain popularity each year since they began sponsoring it eight years ago.

“The festival has been a beneficial initiative with a fundamental cause to educate, improve and empower the many individuals and communities,” Mr Prasad said.

“This year the festival promoted the theme, greening the north through the ambience of the festival and incorporating the message conveyed by the talented king and queen contestants.”