The community spirit of the area was celebrated together on November 13th in the courtyard area of Alppikylä Setlementtiasunnot. The event was organized in honor of the area’s Best Residential Area in the Nordics competition victory. On a darkening autumn evening, residents and partners from the area arrived to watch the program and meet each other.
In her speech, President Tarja Halonen congratulated the residents of Alppikylä and stated that Alppikylä is a wonderfully renewed area.
– But it is true that houses are just houses, and people make it a home. This is a wonderful idea that diverse people can be themselves and at the same time be part of a community. Hold on to that. I wish you all the best for the future, Tarja Halonen wished.
KOVA’s board member, VAV’s CEO Mirka Saarholma, echoed these sentiments in her own speech. She also emphasized that residents and community spirit are important – these aspects were wonderfully highlighted in Setlementtiasunnot’s competition video about Alppikylä in the international competition.
Community and mutual support are valuable
Suvi Tuomala from Setlementtiasunnot thanked the area’s residents, volunteers, resident committee, and staff in her opening remarks.
– The Alppikylä Best Nordic Residential Area 2024 award is an important recognition of long-term and valuable work for the good of the community, she said.
According to her, the award is particularly significant at a time when non-profit housing is widely discussed.
– This is a good indication of the positive effects of diversity and community spirit. Community, knowing our neighbors, and supporting each other are key strengths of our area, Tuomala summarized.
Seijamirjami Kotkansiipi from the building’s resident association and Pro Alppikylä’s chairperson Anna Karhumaa also extended their greetings.
The evening continued with cheerful chatter. Many guests wanted to greet the star performer of the winning video, a 2-year-old little girl. She happily welcomed the well-wishers and munched on the gingerbread cookies offered.
