This Week's Canadian Friends of Finland Newsletter Visuals

 On a very regular basis the Canadian Friends of Finland, whose club operates out of the Scandinavian Center in Burnaby, BC, issues a newsletter. Here are visuals of that newsletter, so the links will not work, but you will still get a good read. 

 

Burnaby Based Fundraiser - Jackpot is almost $4000.00

 

 

If you cannot scan please visit this link: 

https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/scancentre 

The Scandinavian Community Center is excited to announce their online 50/50 fundraiser! Grab your tickets now!

The SCC exists to create connection through events, scholarships, and educational opportunities. We are based in Burnaby BC and have been an active part of our communities for over 25 years. We believe in celebrating the heritage of a diverse and inclusive group of people, and love to work with groups of many different backgrounds.

Funds raised by this raffle will support educational classes, building and utility costs, and community events. The winner will be contacted to claim their prize.

Thank you for your support! We are Canadian Friends of Finland, Vancouver, Burnaby, BC and we are part of the Scandinavian Community Center via the Finnish House Society.

 

Special Event: Whisper of Steam - Sauna, culture, folkhealing

Join us Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at 6:30 PM in Burnaby, BC! You are invited into the world of sauna-where ancient rituals, wellness, and mythology meet. Join Dalva Lamminmäki, Doctoral Researcher in Folklore Studies and Sauna Culture at the University of Eastern Finland, for a look at sauna traditions and their deeper meanings. Please reserve your seat at this link or show up at the door: 

tiny.cc/WhisperofSteam

Discover:

• The rich culture of the Finnish sauna and its roots in folk healing.
• How traditional rituals like whisking are performed and what they symbolize.
• The sauna’s vital role in community life and personal well-being.
• The mythological and spiritual dimensions woven into sauna practices.
• How ancient sauna rituals continue to thrive in the modern world.
• An open invitation to share your own sauna stories and experiences.

Whether you are passionate about wellness, fascinated by bathing rituals, or intrigued by the stories and beliefs behind them, this event promises inspiration and insight. Step into the warmth-both literal and cultural-of the Finnish sauna tradition.  Admission is by donation. 

 

Cash is not always King by Geoff Ballance

 

An amusing story about what happens when you arrive in Finland, without working credit cards. Written by Geoff Ballance.

Does it ever concern you that we are moving more and more to a cashless society? When my girlfriend (GF) went to Finland this past summer, she landed at the Helsinki airport, collected her luggage and made her way to the train.

Now according to the VR website, you can get to the Helsinki Airport with just one train ticket from anywhere in Finland. From the airport’s railway station, you can easily walk to either of the airport’s terminals without ever needing to go outside. But and this is a big but, the one thing that it not clear, is that while there is a vending machine to get your ticket, the machine only accepts credit cards. Cash is not an option.

Sisu anyone? by Jori Ballance

It was a cool rainy October day, many years ago. I remember taking shelter in an ancient grove of trees in British Columbia. The old giants that had lost their battle with the wind and elements were lying on their side amongst the ferns, soft green moss coated and comforted them and their fallen comrades.

The stillness was broken by the sound of water dripping from Old Man’s Beard into the puddles on either side of the muddy trail. The funky smell of decaying plant matter infused the moist salty sea breeze creating an elixir that involuntarily made a person inhale slowly and deeply. There was a faded, hand-painted sign that was nailed to an enormous fallen Sitka spruce that kindly stated the obvious, ‘We ask that you not use the trail in extreme weather conditions.’

Weekly Newsletter - Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2024

I just picked up my Finnish Independence Day ticket for the dinner and music event at the Scandinavian Centre on December 6. Call 778-686-5657 to reserve your ticket before Dec 1. Join us!

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair was a busy event. Thank you to the Finns who helped me unload my car! We sold raffle tickets and made close to $300 - we  had three lucky winners. 

Don’t forget to get your donation to the West Coast News - it is a great way to support the paper, send out family greetings, or give a unique Christmas greeting for someone special.

Keep reading for headline news and a survey about Finnish names in Canada. I hope to see you at the dinner event on Friday, Dec 6th!

Kiitos, Dianne

Reserve Your Dinner Ticket by Dec 1, 2024

 

Come and enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner and celebrate the 107th year of Finnish Independence. Tom Nyberg, Honorary Consul of Finland, will make welcoming remarks, there will be a performance by the Vancouver Chamber Choir, during and after dinner enjoy music with the Alan Matheson Trio and dance to DJ music. The event will be held at the Scandinavian centre. Tickets are $85 each.  Doors open at 6:30 PM. They can can be purchased until Dec 1. Call 778-686-5657.

News from Finland - YLE

We are so pleased that Liisa has agreed to present a writing workshop. We will meet as a group at the Scandinavian Centre in Burnaby BC. Liisa will guide the workshop from her work in Northern Ontario. This hybrid afternoon event will help you take pen to paper and start writing your own memories. Email or call to reserve your spot now!

Liisa helps aspiring writers to overcome their fears, rekindle their passion for words, and craft powerful stories.  I believe the world needs  more stories - your story. If you've been dreaming about writing a novel or memoir but are afraid to start or doubt your abilities, I can give you the tools and support to move forward.  We all have a story within us, waiting to be shared. I can help you tell yours. Let me show you how.

If you are a member of the "Canadian Friends of Finland, Burnaby" the cost is $20 and if you are a guest then it is $40.00 You can pay by cash, an e-transfer or with a cheque. Please call or email finnfriend@gmail.com