Give Back To Fiji Charity Concert

7 December, 2009

The Rescue Mission Community Association in partnership with Vodafone Fiji Limited and other sponsors is presenting Give Back to Fiji Charity concert at the Vodafone Arena this Saturday. The concert will feature renowned Fiji born artists living abroad as well many of our local talents. Some of the big names performing at the concert will include, Paulini Curuenavuli who was finalist in the Australian Idol singing competition in 2007 who many believe should have been the winner. 

Other well known local and international artists performing at the concert include Suzy Vulaca Kraintz ex American Idol, Dee Uluirewa (Hillsong Gospel), Vanessa Quai – Pacific Songbird, Natasha Underwood (Domo ni Carmen), MIC Singers, Ete and his choir. 

The concert is being organized for a good cause.  There are many challenging and pressing issues facing our children and youth today.  Access to education for many children still remains a distant dream despite government’s assistance towards school fares and bus fare initiatives.  Many families still struggle to buy books, uniforms and food for their children to be able to send them to school,

The concerts main objective is to raise funds for the school fees of children and youth who live in squatter settlements as well as confront the many issues facing our young people today. Showcasing local artists such as Paulini who have made big name for themselves in overseas provides hope and inspiration to our young people to emulate their success.

“Furthermore, though music and songs we hope to pass key message on issues confronting our youth every day including information on sexual reproductive health, STIs and HIV and AIDs, relationships, leadership and how to cope with peer pressures”; said event organizer Felisha Hazelman.

“Last year, Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation made a financial grant of over $50,000 to the Rescue Mission. This was to assist the mission to purchase music equipments and also provide support and counseling to street kids and shoe shine boys so that they could pursue an alternative career in music and singing. We are delighted that Rescue Mission is now “spreading the love” by heading this Give Back to Fiji Charity which will further benefit many more disadvantaged kids. 

“Vodafone has a proud and unparalleled record of giving to the community.  We are very delighted to lend our support to this very worthy cause. With Christmas just weeks away, everyone is already in the mood of giving and sharing.  We are hopeful that this goodwill and spirit of giving will extend to Give Back to Fiji Charity Concert to raise funds for the many underprivileged kids in the squatter settlements.  This is turn will give them some hope of going back to school in 2010”, said Shailendra Prasad, the Manager Corporate Affairs of Vodafone Fiji.

The tickets for the concert are selling at $5 for adults and $3 for children under the age of twelve years old. Tickets are available for sale from the Vodafone Triangle or Rescue Mission Community Association, 50 Knolly Street. Vodafone is also giving a chance to its customers to win 500 tickets to the concert through a text and win promotions. All the customers need to do is text “heart” to 888 for a chance to win a ticket. Good news is that customers can use both normal money and free money balance on their mobile to text in this promotion.

The program on Saturday morning starts with a Youth Forum and Rescue Mission Market, and in the evening its meet the artists followed by the concert and carols by candlelight.

The Youth Forum encourages young people to attend where the local and international artists will be actively involved as advocacies for the issues confronting the youth.

About Vodafone Fiji:
Vodafone Fiji Limited is part of Vodafone Group Plc, a leading mobile communications company with over 280 million proportionate customers worldwide. Vodafone Fiji which is a partnership with Amalgamated Telecom Holding Fiji provides mobile telecommunications services to over 650,000 Fiji customers. The global company has equity interests in 26 countries and partner networks in a further 33 countries, the largest global footprint.