Saving Finland in America earns the Finlandia Foundation National the Finnish Expatriate of the Year Award

The Finlandia Foundation National earns a prestigious award from Finland for its work to Save Finland in America. Recently The Finlandia Foundation National received the Finnish Expatriate of the Year Award, established by the Finland Society in 1983. The honor is awarded to a Finn who demonstrates exceptional success in the field. FFN’s recognition with the Finnish Expatriate of the Year marks the first time the award honors a project rather than an individual or organization.

The Saving Finland in America project was a large fundraising campaign that supported the foundation’s takeover of former Finlandia University properties including the Finnish American Reporter, the Finnish American Heritage Center and its gallery, the former university archives and exhibits, as well as the North Wind Book Store. The initiative mobilized Finnish Americans, and Finns in the United States to support the preservation of important Finnish-American artifacts and records. Through dedication and teamwork, FFN secured a five and half million dollars from 900 donors. Exceeding the campaign’s initial goal to raise 3 million dollars.

Those interested in learning more about the individuals who helped spearhead saving Finland in America with the Finlandia Foundation national and the Finnish Expatriate of the Year award can find more details here.