Four Tampere Mothers Awarded Order of the White Rose on Mother's Day

Thirty-eight mothers will be honoured with the Order of the White Rose of Finland on Mother's Day, including four recipients from Tampere, Tamperelainen reported.

The 1st Class Medal of the Order of the White Rose of Finland with golden cross is awarded by the President for distinguished parenting and for promoting family life; this year's Tampere recipients are Helvi Marjatta Hellsten, Sari-Marja Kristiina Hytönen, Arja Liisa Mettänen and Leena Anneli Syrjälä. The decorations will be presented at the national Mother's Day celebration in Helsinki on Sunday 10 May, organised by the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

Honoured mothers come from diverse backgrounds and life situations. Some were born abroad and some are immigrant parents. Several recipients also care for foster, support, holiday or other care children in addition to their biological children. They range in age from 44 to 91. Candidates must be at least 40. Medals have been awarded since 1946, and more than 2,300 mothers have received the recognition. Local authorities, parishes, associations, communities and children can nominate candidates to the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health; the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health then forwards proposals to the orders of merit.