The 8th Amazing Wheelbarrow Race, also known as the Bara Battle fundraiser was held at Albert Park in Suva this morning. 

The annual event aims to raise funds for the operations of the Frank Hilton Home.

Around 250 thousand dollars was raised at this year’s event and as many teams continue to fundraise, the final total will be tallied by the end of July.

Fortech Construction PTE Limited won the Bara battle title after a tight race this morning. 

BSP Life took second place while AquaSafe came in third. 

This year, 23 teams participated in the physical race and raised $182,772. 

Harcourts raised the highest funds, over 55 thousand dollars in the Physical race category.

First time participants, Beauty Mantra walked away with the All-Women’s Team award. 

Ride with Pride also participated in the physical race for the first time and raised over 6 thousand dollars. 

Ride with Pride Team Leader Mohammed Zulfikaar Alil said he and other some queer activist formed a team and decided to raise funds for Frank Hilton. 

“This is an important cause for us because we are not just representing the queer community but also representing disabled people within the community.” 

Frank Hilton Org CEO Sureni Jayaweera said their primary objective is to raise funds for the organisation – a charity that provides specialised health and support services to children living with disabilities in Fiji.

“We receive assistance from the government; however, we still need to raise approximately 30% of our total funding requirement annually to bridge the deficit, and meet the needs of our constantly growing case numbers. It is our duty of care and our responsibility as a Civil Society agency to maintain continuity of our services for the many families who seek us out.”

The event was a day of friendly competition and community spirit, highlighting the dedication of individuals and businesses to help children at Hilton Home Hostel.