Anna Laurinsilta began studying ethnology at the University of Helsinki in the autumn of 1981 and graduated as a Master of Arts in the summer of 2008. She is one of the hundreds who were driven by the degree reform to finish their master’s theses before the autumn of 2008. – By nature I want to finish what I have started. Of course I had a nagging feeling in the back of my mind about my unfinished thesis and degree.

What I particularly appreciate about the University is how it takes into account the different goals of its students. Not everyone can or should become a researcher. At its best, an education in the humanities is extremely comprehensive and prepares you for a wide variety of work. At least for me it has worked out well.

Anna Laurinsilta is currently the head of fundraising at the Finnish Red Cross. She began working there in 2007 in school and corporate fundraising, after which she did incentivised fundraising, and for the past three years she has been the head of fundraising operations.

The Red Cross helps people when catastrophes and disasters hit and trains them to be prepared for such eventualities. The organisation encourages people to take care of their health and to look after each other. The Finnish Red Cross is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in our country, and its goal is to help those most in need both here in Finland and abroad. There are over 500 local branches all around Finland engaged in numerous activities. As head of fundraising at the Finnish Red Cross, Anna Laurinsilta and her team ensure that helping is as easy as possible. Monthly donors are of utmost importance, and that is why particular attention has been paid to making the donation process go smoothly. You can donate easily online or by text message and phone.

According to Anna Laurinsilta, who has long been involved in this line of work, fundraising is very much based on communication. – After knowledge of all the related laws and statures, the most important thing is to know who you are working with—those for whom funds are being raised and those who want to donate. When needs and opportunities are communicated in a manner than truly reaches someone, it awakens the desire to help.