Charity is a term that not only reflects good deeds, but also spans to acts of care and concern for those in need.

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa stressed this point as chief guest at the official opening of the 2019 Bula Festival at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, on Saturday.

“Charity reflects in things hardly considered, such as raising the alarm when witnessing domestic violence; informing authorities when you see a child being abused; stopping someone from littering and being there for someone who is emotionally disturbed or getting help for someone who is depressed,” she said.

She said the festival’s theme “Hearts for Charity” was something close to her heart.

“Charity is something more than kindness.

“It means tolerance and compassion, a patient sympathy and understanding for others. Unfortunately, charity is an often quoted but a rarely practised virtue,” Ms Vuniwaqa said.

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa lights the flame officially opening the Nadi Bula
Festival at Prince Charles Park on July 27, 2019.

Meanwhile, Nadi Bula Festival Trust member Titilia Vuataki has encouraged members of the public to support the contestants, who she says are advocating a worthy cause.

She said funds raised from the festival would finance the construction of a community centre that would include a library, internet room, recreational room for senior citizens and also serve as an evacuation centre for natural disasters.

“The Tui Nawaka has agreed to give us a piece of land for our project 16 and we are grateful to those from overseas who have also given their support. We also hope to finally build an office for the Bula Festival Trust,” she said.

Mrs Vuataki said there were no issues with the programme despite the festival having no official sponsor.

“Digicel normally sponsors us, but this year it was not enough to cover our expenses so we have various sponsors taking on individual programmes for each night such My Hair Affair Salon, FBC, Jack’s and Fiji Gas,” she said.

She added there were also a few changes to the week’s programme this year.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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