On Saturday, December 6th, the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce brought together the community for a night that was both festive and meaningful, celebrating Finland’s 108th Independence Day — an especially poignant occasion as it fell on Finland’s actual Independence Day and marked the start of the holiday season.
As guests arrived, the warmth of glögg and freshly prepared appetizers set the tone for the evening. Conversations and laughter filled the room as CFCC President Marika Arovuo welcomed everyone. The program also featured remarks from MPP Rudy Cuzzetto, who acknowledged the strong ties between Finland and Canada and highlighted the importance of community, cultural heritage, and international collaboration.
The mood then turned proud and reflective as Honorary Consul Peter Auvinen shared Finland’s Independence Day message from the President of Finland. This was followed by a rendition of Maamme Laulu, the Finnish national anthem, which resonated through the room and reminded everyone of the strength and spirit of the Finnish community.
The Christmas buffet stole the spotlight, with Head of Catering John Christensen presenting an array of traditional Finnish dishes. From herring plates to joulutorttu, each dish was savoured and celebrated by guests, many of whom commented on the authentic flavours and thoughtful presentation.
This year’s music bingo was a hit, bringing out competitive spirits, laughter, and joy as guests eagerly participated. Following the games, the DJ kept the energy high for the rest of the evening, taking requests and encouraging everyone onto the dance floor.
The Chamber also took a moment to honour excellence within the community.
The Excellence in International Growth Award was presented to Lumon Canada, whose expansion, leadership, and national recognition highlight their remarkable success in the Canadian market.
The Excellence in Industrial Innovation Award honoured Tecwill, celebrating their advanced engineering solutions, long-standing support of the CFCC, and continued contributions to Finnish innovation in Canada.
Finally, Bawani Thayalan was recognized with the Community Service Legacy Award 2025, a tribute to her meaningful contributions and dedication to the Finnish-Canadian community.
Later in the evening, anticipation built as the raffle draw featured an exciting selection of prizes, including coveted Finnish Lumene products, a pair of VIP Raptors tickets, and a pair of Vettä Nordic Spa tickets, adding extra excitement and joyful cheers throughout the room.
The event was made possible thanks to a record number of sponsors, whose support the Chamber is incredibly grateful for: Miller Thomson, Vettä Nordic Spa, Marimekko, Lucamar International Inc., Lumon Canada, Tecwill, Aalto Development, Finnish Credit Union Limited / Osuuspankki, Viking Foods, Pelto Agri Investments, and Nextmile. Guests also enjoyed delicious drink samples from Lonkero and beers generously provided by Utsav Beers.
By the end of the evening, the room was filled with smiles, happy memories, and a renewed sense of connection to Finnish culture. From the food and music to the dancing and festive spirit, the celebration was a perfect blend of tradition, community, and joy. It was a night to remember, and the Chamber looks forward to keeping this cherished tradition alive for many years to come.
