History

The German Canadian Cultural Society (aka Victoria Edelweiss Club) was founded in 1970 to preserve the cultural practices of the German speaking immigrants of the Victoria area, and to help integrate them to the Canadian way of life. It was hoped that Canadians would come as guests to social events and learn about German culture too - and they did!

The founding members wanted their own hall from the very outset, and found a suitable property and building at 108 Niagara Street. The building was a former rollerskating rink, and volunteer labour soon transformed it into a dance hall and kitchen. The exterior was given a Bavarian-style facade.

With the clubhouse in place, all kinds of activities started: monthly dances took place; a Ladies`Auxiliary cooked, baked, sponsored fashion shows, and made crafts for the bazaar; the Carnival Group planned lavish festivities; the Folk Dancing Group organized Oktoberfests; and the Harmony Choir, which had operated independently for ten years, joined the club. 

Ten years later, in 1980, the club building was enlarged by means of a second storey which contains a members' bar, a library, a games room, and a meeting room on the third level. Again, the work was done by volunteers whenever possible. 

In the past, the Victoria Edelweiss Club volunteers, and their popular food kiosk, participated in community gatherings such as the Saanich Fair, the Victoria Day Parade and other local events. The Victoria Edelweiss Club hopes to continue to participate in community gatherings around the city in hopes to celebrate and share the joys of German-Canadian Culture.

Society

The Victoria Edelweiss Club is a non-profit organization, founded to maintain and promote German-Canadian culture in Victoria.

The purpose of the Society:

  • Foster and preserve the German language, heritage and traditions;

  • Promote relations amongst and between Germans and Canadians by encouraging cultural and social activities;

  • operate and maintain the clubhouse facilities on behalf of the members;

  • Receive donations and bequests, and to hold and administer property of every kind and description whether real or personal for the benefit of the members and the society;

  • Encourage individual and group initiatives, within the Society, that educate, entertain and give artistic expression.

Board Members

2022/2023 Board:

  • Angela Plasterer (Treasurer)

  • Bill Buckley (Director at Large)

  • Dieter Suesser (Director at Large)

  • Lothar Christians (Director at Large)

  • Richard Leuschner (Director at Large)

  • Harry Lepp (Director at Large)

  • Amber Clarke (Director at Large)

  • Cindy Kent (Director at Large)

  • John De Pfyffer (Director at Large)

The Board encourages all members (and guests) to participate with events and activities. Please support your Society and contact us if you have feedback, suggestions, or would like more information.