The Branches and Hobby Groups
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Representative
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Phone Number
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VFC hosts the Scandinavian Christmas Craft Fair, Finnphoria Club nights and various concerts throughout the year. To volunteer at these events or for more information email or telephone.
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The purpose of BC’s Sotaveteraanit group is to provide social contact, fellowship, entertainment and support for Finnish War Veterans and their supporting membership. The group remembers and pays tribute to their fallen comrades in arms while keeping Finland’s Independence story alive.
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Esko Kajander
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(778)839-1045
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Finn-Fun School provides a Finnish speaking environment for those interested in learning or maintaining their Finnish language skills. Finn-Fun School offers lessons in conversational Finnish to both adults and children, from beginners to advanced speakers. It doesn’t matter what age you are or how much Finnish you know, you are always welcome to join.
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VFC maintains a current library of Finnish literature, magazines, children’s books, and texts in the Scandinavian Community Centre Finland Room. These books may be borrowed by the VFC membership at no cost.
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(604)294-2777
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Finnish Heritage Club
The Heritage Club was established in 1983 to gather, catalog, store and display artifacts made or used by BC Finns as well as to preserve Finnish cultural heritage, writings, music, artifacts and memorabilia for British Columbians.
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John Saarinen and/
or Eero Taivanen
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(604)773-2483
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Kalevan Sointu Heritage Music Group
Kalevan Sointu was created in 2005 as an amateur Kantele group. The Kantele, Finland’s national instrument, is described as a lap-harp. The group puts on public workshops, performs at local events, and loans Kanteles to members wishing to learn. Kalevan Sointu is always looking for new members, no experience necessary.
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Inactive
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Born in 1998, the award winning West Coast ‘Korsu’ Choir is a unique concert group who honour and draw inspiration from Finland’s Veterans by performing ‘war time’ favourites. The choir has successfully toured Finland, performed at Finnish-Canadian Grand Fest, FinnFest USA and many local events.
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Pikku-Purpurit Dancers
Established in 1997, Pikku Purpurit brings Finnish folk dance and songs to life through children. All children age five and up are welcome to join. Even though the group sings in Finnish, not all of the members speak the language. This vibrant group has performed throughout Canada, and at Barnlek 2005, a Nordic children’s folk festival.
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Inactive
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Founded in 1973, Purpurit is a Finnish-Canadian folk dance group. Purpurit perform at local and international festivals including Kaustinen Folk Festival, Expo ‘86, Finnish Canadian Grand Festivals, and at Finn Fest USA. Purpurit have traveled to Australia and toured the Nordic countries with great success. Purpurit welcomes all experienced and beginner dancers.
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Riitta Huttunen
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(604)941-0760
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Sports and Fitness Club The sports and fitness club organizes fun indoor and outdoor activities and classes for members of all ages to enjoy. Some club favourites include: the Annual Paavo Nurmi Run, Ski Day at Manning Park, Pesäpallo (Finnish Baseball) and Nordic walking.
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Karina Ramsay
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(604)728-6572
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West Coast News Celebrating its 40th year in print (2016), the Länsirannikon Uutiset is the bloodline of the West Coast Finnish-Canadian community. With a readership of over 1000, both locally and internationally, Vancouver Finlandia Club’s Finnish and English language newspaper connects members, family and friends, both near and far. The paper covers Club news, Finnish-Canadian and Nordic community events, and special interest items. WCN is printed 11 times annually and is free to VFC members in North America. For separate or international subscriptions, contact the Club.
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(778)858-7075
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