Crowdfunding campaign aims at saving Finlandia from financial turmoil

THUNDER BAY – A crowdfunding campaign is attempting to bail the Finlandia out from its financial turmoil.

For more than 100 years the Finnish Labour Temple has served as a cultural hub in the city. On Saturday Kelly Saxberg, treasurer of the Finlandia Association revealed that the organization was in dire straits.

“We’re facing substantial debt and challenges that came as a result of renovations that were necessary. The new roof, heating system and wheelchair accessibility but we’re struggling,” she told tbnewswatch.com Sunday.

“We need everybody’s help to make sure this place does not close. I’m telling you, as the treasurer, we are that close.”

Since that announcement, an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign has been created. The campaign, Save the Finlandia, was created by Facebook user Crys DiGiuseppe and aims at collecting $15,000.

The campaign summery explains that “the Finlandia Association needs your help,” adding that “ … 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.”

As a fixed funding campaign, money donated will only be accepted if Save the Finlandia reaches its $15,000 target.