Throughout the year, Niemikotisäätiö’s day activities organise themed events that bring joy to everyday life and strengthen the sense of community. On Thursday, 8 October, participants gathered for the Autumn Festivities (Syyskarkelot), a day filled with music, creativity and togetherness. This time, the celebrations also featured Kekri, a traditional Finnish harvest festival marking the end of the agricultural year.
The festivities got off to a lively start when, towards the end of the opening speech, the Kekri goat and his companions burst onto the scene. Following an old Finnish tradition, the visitors made plenty of noise and demanded food, bringing an unexpected touch of humour to the celebration. Finnish traditions often feature in the themed events organised by the day activities, and this time Kekri offered a fun way to explore the country’s folklore.
After the surprise visit, everyone got moving with a group dance. Arms reached up into the air and down towards the ground as feet stamped to a shared rhythm. The festive autumn atmosphere continued throughout the day, with lunch, workshops, live music and coffee among the activities on offer.
Events like the Autumn Festivities are an important part of Niemikotisäätiö’s day activities. Previous celebrations have included the Winter Farewell festivities, and the changing themes bring welcome variety to the year and opportunities to meet others.
Doing things together strengthens everyday skills
The aim of day activities is to maintain and strengthen the skills, social abilities and functional capacity needed in everyday life. Shared events provide natural opportunities for interaction, participation and cooperation. For many people, joining an event, meeting someone new or taking part in a group activity in a safe environment can be a meaningful experience.
Winning poem in summer competition finds adventure in everyday life
Niemikotisäätiö encourages service users to take part in various activities and competitions designed to inspire self-expression, showcase personal talents and provide experiences of achievement.
The winner of Niemikotisäätiö’s summer 2026 poetry competition was announced at the Autumn Festivities. The theme of the competition was Adventure, an idea developed together with service users on the editorial team of Hyvä mieli magazine.
First prize went to a poet writing under the pseudonym Cissus, whose poem finds adventure surprisingly close to home:
I would like to experience an adventure. An entirely ordinary one.
One that begins with making sandwiches in the morning
and oat milk in my coffee.
Wondering about the day ahead through the blinds,
whether it will rain or shine.
An adventure that would fit inside an ordinary box,
easy to pack away and open again
whenever something is needed.
A sturdy, square-shaped box,
where the greatest excitement is
whether the little mimosa seedling
will manage to grow new shoots on the windowsill.
Whether it has just enough water.
The jury praised the poem’s rhythm and insightful perspective. One of the judges commented:
“An entirely ordinary life can be an adventure – a wonderful perspective on the theme.”
The winning poet has received a gift card by post as a prize. The competition jury consisted of three Niemikotisäätiö service users and three staff members.
The poem’s message reflects both the goals of day activities and the spirit of the autumn celebration. Meaningful experiences do not always require grand adventures. They can grow out of encounters, shared activities – and sometimes simply finding the courage to try something new.
