Poor queue up for food at the first Independence Day celebration
organised by Heikki Hursti
Around a thousand people fed with sandwiches and meat soup
"3000 sandwiches, 750 kilos of potatoes and a truckful of of bread", lists Heikki Hursti, the son of late benefactor of Finland's poor and homeless, Veikko Hursti.
Volunteers are loading food onto a small lorry at the charity work office founded by Veikko Hursti and his wife Lahja Hursti in Helsinki's Kallio district.
It's early in the morning on Independence Day and thousand guests are expected to attend the Independence Day celebration for the poor and homeless organised for the first time by Heikki Hursti, whose father Veikko died in May this year.
Over 20 volunteers are peeling potatoes, cooking the meat soup and making coffee at the outdoor event held in Helsinki's Hakaniemi district.
"Many assume that the volunteers are former alcoholics, but the majority of them are just ordinary people", says volunteer Seppo Vartiainen, who is working at the event for the 5th time.
The table is set at midday. Sandwiches play a big role in the celebration's catering, just like they do at the Presidential Gala Reception, and meat soup and coffee are also served.
Nobody is turned away or denied food.
"We are in no position to decide, who is in no need of food. When I look around, I say bring in the food and clothes", says volunteer Jukka Mäkitie, and he hands out a woolly hat.
After 1 p.m. the party is nearly over. Miserable weather has dampened the party spirit and cut the celebration short.
The poor are remembered twice a year. According to Hursti, this is grotesque but important. In fact, the Independence Day celebration for the poor and homeless has become a ritual followed by the national media.
"I just hope that people would be more aware of these issues all the time and not just on Independence Day and Christmas Eve", Hursti says.
Heikki Hursti took over the charity organisation in May and was determined to continue the work started by his father. He is also helped by the other Hursti siblings.
More on this subject:
 Finland celebrates Independence Day in traditional fashion
Previously in HS International Edition:
Veikko Hursti: Tireless advocate of the poor (17.5.2005)
Helsingin Sanomat
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