Bay and Algoma area merchants have shown their support for the Finlandia Club by chipping in for the hall’s renovations.
Through the sales of a 2012 Finnish calendar, featuring culture and history of Finland and the local Finnish population, the businesses raised $1,622 for the hall’s renovation plans.
The merchants wanted to something to help out the Finlandia Association of Thunder Bay because the hall is an important historical building, said Claudio Monteleone of Great Expectations Marketing.
“It draws a lot of people to the area. It’s a very important part of the community,” he said.
Finlandia Association chairman Vesa Vanska said they appreciate the support from the neighbourhood.
“We wouldn’t be able to do it without their help,” he said. “The neighbourhood getting involved is a great thing. That’s what we’re trying to create, a big family down here.”
Vanska said the renovations are about halfway complete. They still have to do the interior renovations, which includes a bistro a multi-function room. They are also installing a more efficient heating and air-conditioning system in March.
The project is expected to be completed this summer.
