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Scandinavian
Community Centre Listen
Finnish national anthem
Maamme performed |
Scandinavian Community Centre
Independence Day Gala Video
Suomi 90 Finland Anniversary Year 2007
Finland gained independence on the 6th of December 1917. The Parliament Act adopted already in 1906 created Finnish democracy: universal suffrage gave all adult Finns the right to vote and stand for election. The logo ME! (WE!) of the 90th anniversary year refers to the full range of 'Finnishness' - original Finns, historical minorities, newcomer Finns and expatriates. Over the centuries, Finns have developed the Finnish way of life, which we are now celebrating. With the WE! spirit Finland has gone from strength to strength. The anniversary logo encourages all Finns to continue working and doing together. A key aim during the year will be to undramatise Finnishness and cherish it above all as a vigorous, dynamic force looking forward to the future.
Finland House Society 2007 President’s Report:
FINLAND HOUSE 2007
Last year was another culturally active year for Finland House Society. I thank the board of directors and volunteers for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Society.
We participated fully in all aspects of the operations and events within and for the Scandinavian Community Centre. This year the Centre purchased new chairs for the main hall, replace the gutters on the building and had the roof painted. FHS financially contributed to the operating expenses, chair purchase, and donated a new cart for the kitchen.
Plans for rezoning the property to make way for the proposed auxiliary building are going ahead. The architect is working on a second set of drawings and cost estimates for the project.
The SCCS constitution was amended last year to include all members of the House Societies as members of the Centre, and eliminated non-voting associate memberships. All members will now have voting rights. These changes brought on a review of FHS constitution and at this AGM we will be voting on the proposed changes.
After yet another appeal process, the Centre received 37K from B.C. gaming; funds which will be used to expand the Centre’s library, support the Centre’s programs, and for a wheelchair access door.
The Society provided volunteers for both the European festival, and the Midsummer festival, and our cultural displays at the festivals were, without a doubt, the best.
Finland House also organized other events in 2007: Bridge tournament in March which was a fundraiser for the Centre, celebrated St. Urho on March 16. We also helped to run the flea market and plant sale in the spring, both of which benefitted the Centre.
Last year we received books from Suomi-Seura, some of which were donated to the Centre’s library, rest to the Finnish language library. The Society joined the Finnish Expatriate Parliament in 2007 and we will receive the Canadian representative at the Centre later on this month.
In the fall we jointly organised “Jazz on Stage” Concert and Dinner with Sweden House Society featuring Cat Toren Quartet from Capilano College. The event was well attended and we’d like to repeat the format with other upcoming musicians.
The highlight of the year was the Gala Dinner and Reception held in honour of Finland’s 90th anniversary of Independence. It was a first class, sold out event with champagne, lovely dinner buffet and fine entertainment. This year we were very pleased to have two sponsors for the occasion: Veikko Pajunen and Nokia Products Ltd. With Nokia’s sponsorship we were able to give each attendee a 24 karat gold plated lion of Finland anniversary pin. We also received Finland 90 promotional ME/VI pins and posters from the Ministry of Education in Finland. The Society would also like to thank Honourary Consul Harri Jansson for providing table wine for the event.
In 2007 we were all saddened by the loss of our founding member and long time supporter, Henry Lahti. Henry tirelessly worked to promote Finnish and Nordic culture at the grass root level. He directed theatre, acted, recited poetry, promoted Nordic literature, played Kantele, performed as a folk dancer and was a “super” volunteer at the Centre. In many ways, I personally considered Henry as my mentor. He managed somehow to fuel my interest in the Finnish culture and for that I am grateful. Henry was a unique individual and he is truly missed.
It has been an honour to serve as your president and I thank each one of you for your dedication and support during the past year.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kristiina
Morrison
President
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Finland House Society is a charitable organization formed by its members to act as an umbrella organization, and on their behalf manage, together with other Scandinavian House Societies the Scandinavian Community Centre, to provide a facility where Finnish culture and events can be showcased. KANSALAISUUSILMOITUS; ENTINEN SUOMEN KANSALAINEN NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Annual Membership Fees:
FINLAND HOUSE SOCIETIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2008-2009 Board meetings are held every third Monday of
the month at 7 p.m. at
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