The inclement weather on Friday evening didn’t prevent members of The Oulu International Women’s Club from celebrating their 5th anniversary in style. The event took place at The Tervasoihtu Café and Restaurant in the Tori.  The festivities got underway at 18:00 with over 30 members and invited guests in attendance.

The restaurant supplied us with lovely appetizers and champagne for a toast.  After opening remarks from Caroline Liebenow, our outgoing Chairperson, the club presented both Caroline and Ata Bos, our founder and first Chairperson, with cards and lovely floral tributes. We welcomed the many new members in attendance and introduced our incoming co-chairs Yangfeng Koskela and Marion Eichorn. 

Caroline and her husband Heikki are leaving Oulu shortly for the United States. We will miss Caroline greatly and wish her the very best in her future endeavours.  Caroline worked tirelessly as our chair this past year, continuing the wonderful work that Ata Bos had begun 5 short years ago.  What started as little more than a coffee “klatsch” in Ata’s kitchen has grown into a 45-member-strong organization.

The friendship between Ata Bos, Birgit Marbach and Marion Eichhorn blossomed into The Oulu International Women’s Club.  These ladies are responsible for what our organization is today.  Our members hale from over 25 different countries.  The women come from all walks of life and though there are many differences, we share a common bond. The club is a non-profit group whose working language is English. However, members frequently communicate in other languages as well.

During the past five years we have enjoyed many wonderful outings and adventures.  Some of the events that come to mind are trips to the Kierikki Stone Age Village, Japan House in Ranua, and a shopping trip to Sweden.

The club has several different interest groups that are as varied as the members who attend.  Currently, we have a mother and baby group, a luncheon group, coffee get-togethers, an international business forum, musical and sporting events, monthly pub nights and hiking trips.

However, the club is much more than the activities themselves.  The friendship and support the members offer each other is invaluable.  It enriches our lives and will have long-lasting effects wherever we find ourselves in future. 

Events are spread throughout the year with short Christmas and summer breaks.  Membership is open to all women in Oulu.  Fees are currently set at 12 Euros per calendar year.  Reduced rates are offered for those who join midway through the year.

For more information, please visit our website at http://iowc.freeshell.org