17/12/2011- In a winter wonderland 850km north of Helsinki, Christmas arrived early at the SOS Children’s Village, but what was that present and why is everyone overjoyed?
In a village 850km north of Helsinki where temperatures are known to fall to as low as -47.5°C (-54°F), a reliable form of transport is vital to everyone. Deep in this winter wonderland is an SOS Children’s Village where everyone is on the go – thanks to a special present from Chevrolet.
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| The Aurora Borealis - Photo: Chevrolet Europe |
With only four hours of daylight at this time of year the sight of the Aurora Borealis, northern lights frequently provides a spectacular backdrop to ordinary family life in Finland’s Arctic Circle. Like mums everywhere SOS mother of four, Epu, uses her car for everything. The school-run and shopping trips that involve round journeys of 200km are only part of her routine, she must also ferry her family and others to their swimming lessons, horse riding or band rehearsals.
Living in on of the most extreme places on earth
“We’re like any family in the world where children go to school, have friends over and enjoy hobbies,” says Epu, “but the difference is that we live in the Arctic Circle, so everything is 70km or more from our home and below freezing for most of the year. For us, a reliable car equipped with studded tyres is essential.” In a land where snow covers the land for half of the year a reliable car can literally be a lifesaver.
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| Reliable transport is vital for all in Lapland - Photo: Chevrolet Europe |
“As Ylitornio is one of the most extreme places to live on earth, the recent gift of an Olympic White 2.2 litre LT Chevrolet Captiva allows us to make the most of every journey for the children we care for. The Captiva has adapted to the village’s demanding and unpredictable schedule” said Village Director Kai Lomma. Since it was delivered to the village in August, our Captiva has been in constant use across Lapland by the Village social workers, child psychologists and volunteers – already covering 35,000km. The Captiva was one of the 100 cars gifted by Chevrolet to SOS Children's Villages across the world in celebration of the carmakers centennial celebrations.
Epu adds: “The car is the lifeline to our lives. With virtually no public transport, mobility is absolutely crucial for us to be able to support the children. From a simple trip to the shops, journey to medical appointment or simply going to the recycling center with a trailer, we simply cannot live without the car.” The journey in her Chevrolet Captiva is far from average as it starts in the sub-zero freezing temperatures of Ylitornio’s dawn, with two hour round trips to Kemi and Rovenami – in Finland’s northern most province – finishing in nearby Sweden at 8pm.
The nearest emergency room is 100km away
“If we take a child to see a pediatrician at the hospital or opticians in Kemi, it’s a two hour trip by car as we only have a small minor-injury unit in Ylitornio,” adds Epu. “There is only one train per day from Ylitornio to Kemi and winter brings severe disruption to services. If you miss it you have to wait overnight for the next one.
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| The gift that makes life easier for Epu and the SOS Children's Village - Photo: Chevrolet Europe |
More serious medical attention requires a Medevac helicopter to the nearest emergency room which is 100km away in Rovaniemi.”
SOS Children’s Village Ylitornio is home to six SOS families plus a community house where 25 children can study, attend an afterschool support programme or pursue leisure activities. “Having access to the Captiva makes my life easier in the winter,” says one of the children, “it is really useful for me when I take my musical instruments for school and is helpful for the long journeys when we travel through the mountains to ski.”
“As an SOS mum, I look after children of different age groups who come from different backgrounds, who must face many challenges in life on their own. By providing a loving home and the support of a stable family environment, these children gain better life opportunities as they become independent young adults,” adds Epu.
As the ice hockey and skiing season draws to a close in the months ahead, the Captiva will again be put to good use for the children as can now can look forward to outdoor pursuits and picnics under the midsummer sun in June.
Chevrolet Europe is one of many partnerships that enrich the lives of children in need of a loving home around the globe.
Find out how to partner with SOS Children’s Villages.