Petri is the driving force behind volunteering days in his building, and doing things together is close to his heart
Hannus resident Petri Saari is a wonderfully active member of the community who is always happy to lend a hand to fellow SATO residents and nurture a sense of togetherness. He believes that most people enjoy doing things and chatting together, as long as someone brave enough gets the ball rolling.
“Home is an important place for everyone, and the courtyard is part of that home too! That’s why it’s so nice when you have a good vibe with the people around you. When we do things and spend time together, we’re also building a sense of community,” says Petri Saari.
Petri lives with his wife, child and dog next to the rapidly growing Finnoo area and enjoys it immensely. In fact, he is so fond of his building and neighbourhood that he has just moved into his second SATO rental home within the same building.
“The move went so smoothly. We just carried our things to the other side of the wall,” Petri laughs. “There are so many reasons why we love living here.”
Petri especially appreciates the proximity of the Espoo waterfront walkway and the sea, as well as how easy it is to get everywhere: Finnoo metro station is right across the street and his training space is just a stone’s throw away.
“It’s easy to get around from here. The area is also peaceful and there’s a really good atmosphere. The neighbours are extremely friendly: they greet you cheerfully and respect quiet hours.”
Volunteering days are an excellent way to build community spirit
In Petri’s view, the best way to get to know your neighbours is simple: doing things together.
“I’ve always loved a sense of community and organising things ourselves. That’s what I’ve aimed to do in this home as well,” Petri explains.
You will often find Petri in the courtyard of his building with a rake in hand or immersed in other outdoor chores. But for him, the best part is taking care of the shared environment together.
“I really value the fact that we roll up our sleeves and work together in a volunteering spirit. And of course, volunteering days include hanging out and sharing food, a bit like a reward for the work we’ve done,” Petri says.
“When we gather around food and plan together what we’re going to do, everything immediately goes to a whole new level.”
From neighbours to friends
Petri believes that many people would like more connection with their neighbours but may not know how to break the ice.
“My experience is that the vast majority of people would like to communicate with each other but might not quite dare to,” Petri reflects. “But once someone gets the conversation started, it all flows from there and the tension disappears. Then it’s twice as nice, and you start creating those lovely shared moments and stories together.”
At its best, neighbourly relations can grow into true friendships. Many of Petri’s former neighbours are still part of his life – one of them even plays drums in his band.
“I’ve made a lot of friends from my previous homes,” Petri says.
Great people and smooth cooperation
For Petri, working together with SATO feels smooth and straightforward on both sides.
“I’ve told Service Manager Fanny Salo that I’m always happy to help if something’s needed and to lend a hand as a resident,” Petri smiles.
At the residents’ request, Fanny has arranged items such as lawn mowing equipment, a wheelbarrow, snow pushers and shovels for shared use in Petri’s building.
“I got an amazing vibe from Fanny straight away! She always takes ownership of things, whether it’s a leaning fence or yard tools,” Petri says.
Petri also has special praise for the House Experts responsible for the courtyard: “Cooperation with maintenance has worked extremely well. Together with a skilled Maintenance Expert, we’ve, among other things, cleared stones from the yard.”
“SATO has incredibly lovely people working there. It feels like they’re genuinely present and bring common sense and understanding to everything they do. It’s such a pleasure to work with them!”