Short Summary
The Finlandia Association needs your help! For more than 100 years, the Finnish Labour Temple has served as a cultural hub in the city of Thunder Bay. Although the temple has been designated as a site of national historical significance, the Finlandia Club and Hoito Restaurant have raised concerns that closure may be in the near future.
Help preserve a piece of Canada's history, a legacy and most importantly, a community.
What We Need & What You Get
Any denomination is greatly appreciated, so donate what you can. Every little bit counts when it comes to a great community cause. We are aiming for a goal of $15,000 which will be donated to the Finlandia Association to help alleviate their dire financial straits. Not only will we be saving a historical building, but these funds will help keep history alive in the City of Thunder Bay.
Helping local causes, such as "Save the Finlandia", preserves heritage but more importantly makes our community stronger. If a strong community isn't rewarding enough, we are also offering perks for your donation. The perks will change throughout the campaign so keep posted.
Think of it as our way of saying thank you for supporting a local cause.
Why $15,000?
In reality, $15,000 seems like a reasonable and achievable goal for our community. If our goal is achieved we would like to see the funds go into something concrete. Upon further discussion with the Finlandia Association the “Save the Finlandia” campaign, and the funds it receives, will raise awareness and support within our community. If the campaign is successful, the funds will be used to refurbish the auditorium to bring low cost productions to the hall and revitalize the hall's role within the community as a cultural hub for everyone.
The Community Impact
Your donations are incredibly important. Without you, the City of Thunder Bay risks losing a valuable part of its history, culture and community. The hall stands as a cultural icon not only for the Finnish community, but for the entire city. Aside from the building's monumental status, the temple represents an incredible history and is a valuable tool towards the city's tourism.
If we are successful in this project, it would help ensure that the temple remains as a community fixture for the next 100 years if not more!
Risks, Challenges & Rewards
Currently the implementation of new board members has ensured that progressive ideas are being brought to the forefront and that the mistakes of the past can be corrected. For the past eight months the Association has worked towards renovating the Hoito Restaurant and the hall, but it must be remembered that progress takes time.
We are driven to meet our goals for this campaign and hopefully you are too!
We will ensure that our cause is heard by sharing and campaigning within the community and on the web. However if we are unsuccessful, your donation will be refunded in full.
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you cannot contribute, there are other ways to help!
Check out the Finnish Labour Temple's website, get informed and tell your friends. Any way you can make noise about this issue and spread the word will only be beneficial to our cause!
More importantly, eat local, shop local and support local movements to ensure that culture, heritage and history will live on in the City of Thunder Bay.
For more information, please visit these resources:
