Christmas has arrived in Piispala
In the past three weeks, 16 young people from different countries have participated in a European Solidarity Corps volunteering project in Piispala, a youth center that welcomes and brings joy for more than 40 years. This place offers activities for people of all ages; it’s impossible not to have fun here!
Despite the November weather, this area is already feeling the magic and sparkle of the most beautiful time of the year: Christmas. The first snow welcomed the volunteers and revealed the true atmosphere of a Finnish winter. Even the early Twilight didn’t scare them, as they are full of inner light. They used their energy to make Piispala even more joyful and ready to celebrate our beloved holiday.
During the three weeks, volunteers did plenty of work, from handcrafted decorations to delicious gingerbread, from afternoons enjoying the company of locals to evenings spent with children and families — all of that to set the majestic Christmas atmosphere. With the help of these young people, the Piispala Youth Center was made ready to greet all the guests to celebrate together.
Nevertheless, the Kannonkoski community was very welcoming to new people from all over the world, too. The volunteers had the pleasure to visit local attractions and the Saarijärvi hospital, and to spend an unforgettable night in Ruokahuoltamo Onnela, joining the locals in karaoke, singing touching songs, and experiencing every aspect of Finnish hospitality when people started to invite them to their homes. The youth also had the chance to discover this kindness on their way to town and back to Piispala with the help of gentle drivers who picked them up in their cars. You probably saw some of our volunteers walking in Piispalantie, and we are grateful for your assistance in giving them rides.
Local traditions also found a place in this project. Volunteers experienced one of the most important aspects of Finnish culture: sauna. They had the chance to try the traditional wooden sauna, the common sauna in Piispala Pool, the electric private one, and ice swimming. They liked them all!
Another sparkle of the project was the local cuisine, filled with delicious potato dishes and berry desserts. The volunteers couldn’t stop eating them. Finnish food impressed them so much, so they enjoyed every taste they had, from yogurt to cucumbers.
In a free time they joined together to set a festive mood within the group, watching Christmas movies, including “Klaus”, “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians”, “Grinch 2000”, “Terrifier 3”, “Grinch 2018” and listening to Christmas songs. “Tähtitaivaan Tuhat Kynttilää” became their favorite, especially performed by our staff member Eerik Vehkalampi. His concert was on 14th of December at Perho Church. We hope you had time to come and enjoy!
The youth always had something to do here as Piispala offers a wide range of sport activities, such as swimming, bowling, billiard, hockey, basketball, killer game, volleyball, curling, bubble football, ice hockey, breathing exercises, badminton, climbing, aqua fitness, archery, ice skating, yoga, HII training, snowball fighting, and others.
The volunteers also had a chance to see the majestic Aurora Borealis and the clear Finnish sky full of stars. They even made a wish upon shooting one – it was definitely to return to Piispala, as this place always welcomes you so warmly that you want to come back.
Towards Christmas Spirit team volunteers,
Artem Yanenko and Alessia Di Centa
This team volunteering activity was funded through European Solidarity Corps grant.
PIISPALA SUOSITTELEE
Please contact us whenever you are interested in the internationalization and would like to learn more about the possibilities we can offer!
