Locals share $500,000 from Bilo Bar Club

The Bilo Bar Club, a well-known Fijian-based charity, is hosting its highly anticipated annual fundraiser reunion at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji.

The event, coinciding with the iconic Melbourne Cup week, brings together global supporters for a week of celebration and philanthropy, raising vital funds for community development initiatives on Yanuca Island and beyond.

Founded in 1981, the Bilo Bar Club has been a dedicated force in supporting the local Fijian communities, contributing over $80,000 in the past year alone.

The funds raised have gone towards a variety of projects, including the refurbishment of local kindergartens, upkeep of a community hospital, supplying gardening tools to villages, and even providing electricity to a local kindergarten building.

“The annual reunion is a chance to bring our members together to celebrate the Melbourne Cup while contributing to the communities that have become like family to us,” said Andrew Neaves, Imperial Bilo.

“Fiji is home to many of us, and giving back is a core part of what brings us back year after year.”

General Manager of Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Francis Lee, expressed his pride in hosting the event, noting the deep connections formed between the resort and the Club.

“This reunion is a testament to the enduring relationships and shared memories that continue to grow here on Yanuca Island,” said Mr Lee.

“We are honoured to support the Bilo Bar Club and its charitable work, and we look forward to another year of making a positive impact together.”

The Bilo Bar Club’s legacy of giving has reached over $500,000 in contributions to the local area since its inception. Its philanthropic efforts extend beyond fundraising, with members actively participating in a variety of initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and sustainable development in local Fijian villages.

The charity was established by a group of regular visitors to Fiji who sought to make a tangible difference in the lives of local residents.

Through their ongoing efforts, the club continues to foster a strong sense of community and support for sustainable development in the region.

Shangri-La Yanuca Island remains a key partner in the Club’s efforts, offering a welcoming space for the reunion and providing invaluable support to the charity’s work.

Resort staff and management play a vital role in helping ensure the success of the Club’s initiatives, reinforcing the powerful bond between the Club, the resort, and the local Fijian communities they serve.