The Mikko Sikstrom Memorial Fund

Okay, so this is coming late, and somewhat out of the blue for some folk... some of you may recall that after Mikko's death, in consultation with Matti and Meri, a sum of money (some $66,000, approximately 40,000 euro) was donated to the Leukaemia Foundation of Victoria. This is the organisation for which Mikko shaved off his hair to raise money in early 2004 (see before and after pix, below), in their annual "shave for a cure" campaign. During his life he raised about $1000 (600 euro). We thought long and hard about appropriate ways to perpetuate his generous spirit, and honouring this very positive aspect of his life seemed to be the most appropriate. We hope that you agree.

In memory of Mikko's beginnings in Australia, at Mallacoota in the far east of Victoria (600 km Melbournesta), these funds were allocated to the purchase of a residential unit so that people suffering from leukaemia could have a home away from home when they needed to travel to Melbourne for treatment, and be surrounded by family and familiar things at such a scary time. This is actually the first property of its kind that the Leukaemia Foundation has ever funded in Melbourne, and this is something of which we can all be proud. Finding an appropriate property has taken a very long time, and in the end our fund has been combined with others in order to provide an appropriate premises. However the purchase has now been made, and you can read about the recent opening ceremony here: http://www.leukaemia.org.au/fileadmin/dl-docs/booklets/Carer_Autumn08.pdf

I am hoping to see the unit when I return to Melbourne for a visit during May, and hope to have more news for you then if you wish it.