Friends of Finland (FOF) has created the SiSu Community Impact Award to recognize and thank community members for their time, effort, and dedication. The award was presented for the first time at this year’s Harvest Booya Festival. FOF believes it is important to show gratitude and ensure that people’s hard work does not go unnoticed.
Each year, the recipient will receive an award and a gift certificate to a local business. The award will be displayed at the Clair Nelson Center for about 60 days before being given to the recipient. A perpetual plaque will also be kept at the Clair Nelson Center, listing the names and years of all award recipients.
What is “SiSu”?
“SiSu” is often described as a unique form of resilience and inner strength, but it’s also about action. Someone with sisu rolls up their sleeves, volunteering, sharing resources, and working to make the community a better place. By modeling perseverance and generosity, they help strengthen the entire community.
The idea for the award came from community members who expressed a desire to find a way to thank others. FOF recognized that in our busy lives, we don’t always stop to appreciate the efforts of those around us, which sparked the creation of this new recognition award.
The first-ever SiSu Community Impact Award was presented to Dan Cahill Mathews. Dan has been an active community member and part of the Finland Food Chain since 2020/2021. This year marks his fifth year of coordinating and cooking for the festival, with help from his wife, Kaylee, the Finland Food Chain, and many other volunteers. Dan has been a board member of the Finland Co-op and coordinated the area’s food box/share program. He and his wife are also vendors at the Finland Farmer’s Market and own Baptism River BBQ Co. Dan is currently the chef for the monthly senior lunches held at the Clair Nelson Center by NSAP. He and his wife, Kaylee, regularly volunteer their time at various events on the North Shore, especially in Finland and Beaver Bay. Congratulations, Dan, on this well-deserved recognition!
FOF wishes to thank all the volunteers, dedicated employees, and community supporters who make their work possible. If you would like to help FOF continue its efforts, donations are always welcome and appreciated. You can donate through their website at: https://friendsoffinland.org/
