Finland’s first “Ukraina House” – a cultural center in the city of Tampere – has temporarily closed its doors due to ongoing uncertainties regarding the use of funds.
Tampere Ukrainian Association announced on his Facebook page on Wednesday that it has taken formal steps to investigate "various irregularities in the use of funds for certain activities" operates under the name of the association.
The message also stated that the association’s bank account has been frozen in accordance with the bank’s instructions pending the outcome of the investigation.
The association added that it has received three large monetary donations, some of which have been used to support the activities of the Ukrainian House.
When the Ukrainian Association of Tampere announced that it would launch an investigation aimed at investigating financial abuses, the people behind Ukraine House announced that they would leave the association and found their own, separate group.
On the Ukrainian House’s own Facebook page pointed out in Wednesday’s post that the Tampere Ukrainians Association had transferred funds to Ukraine House in mid-July. However, this has not been done and the institution has been left without funds.
"We have used all possible resources and unfortunately we will not be able to offer services until the association releases the funds," message added.
The board of Tampere Ukrainalaiset ry said on its Facebook page that it aims to deal with all possible grievances thoroughly so that the association’s aid work can continue.
"The main and most important task of the association is to ensure that the donated funds and other donations are used in accordance with the wishes of the donors, in accordance with Finnish laws and as efficiently as possible." The Facebook post ended.
Yle has repeatedly contacted the representatives of both associations, but so far no answer has been received from either party.
Finland’s first Ukrainatalo was opened in the center of Tampere in May as a place where Finns and Ukrainians can meet and learn more about each other’s cultures, the association said at the time.
Source: The Nordic Page