More than $340,000 was raised during the eight-night Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North in Labasa, with the funds to be used to support several community projects in the Northern Division.
Festival president Mohammed Saiyum said the money raised through the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North 2026 would be channelled towards initiatives that would benefit the community.
Mr Saiyum said the festival committee was proud to be able to give back to the people who had supported the annual event.
“I am, therefore, deeply proud that the proceeds generated through the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North 2026 will support several important community projects,” he said.
He said one of the projects would be the provision of a stress machine for the cardiac unit at Labasa Hospital.
“The equipment would assist health professionals in the assessment and management of patients with cardiac conditions.”
He said the committee would also provide support for the new neonatal intensive care unit at Labasa Hospital.
“The unit provides specialised care for newborn babies, particularly those requiring additional medical attention.”
He said the support was part of the festival’s commitment to ensuring that proceeds from the event were returned to the community.
“The festival has always been more than entertainment. At the heart of this festival is charity and service to the people of the North.”
The festival concluded on Saturday night with the crowning of the 2026 Vodafone Miss Friendly North and Mr Friendly North.
The festival brought together businesses, community organisations, schools, contestants and residents for a week of entertainment and activities.
Vodafone Mr Friendly North Aisea Rokobiau and Vodafone Miss Friendly North Isabella Raidriwa after they were crowned at Subrail Park in Labasa on Saturday. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA
Isabella Raidriwa, centre, celebrates after becoming the third consecutive contestant representing Labasa Divisional Hospital to win the Vodafone Miss Friendly North crown at Subrail Park in Labasa on Saturday.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Miss Lions Club of Labasa Adi Votana Lautiki won the Miss Photogenic title. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA
Miss Labasa Divisional Hospital Isabella Raidriwa was crowned Vodafone Miss Friendly North 2026, while Miss Galaxy Hotels and Rentals Selai Qarau (left) was named first runner-up and won Best Traditional Attire. Miss Fiji Sugar Corporation Verenaisi Waikarawa (right) was named second runner-up and won the Miss Charity title. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA
Miss Galaxy Hotels and Rentals Selai Qarauna was named first runner-up and won the Best Traditional Attire award. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA
Verenaisi Waikarawa (centre) took home the Miss Charity award and was named second runner-up. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA
The winners of the 2026 Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North at Subrail Park in Labasa. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA
Supporters and staff of Labasa Divisional Hospital celebrate Isabella Raidriwa’s Vodafone Miss Friendly North 2026 victory. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA
