Veikko Hursti

His mother, maths teacher Elli Hursti (née Heiskanen), was a devout Christian and his father, Arvo Hursti, a Methodist priest who helped street youth in Helsinki.

[2][1][3] At age 13, Hursti was admitted to Taideteollisuuskeskuskoulu (today Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture).

He volunteered to serve in the Continuation War for two years and later worked as a commercial artist, singer and circus performer.

The family lost their home due to Hursti's alcohol use and the children were taken into care for some time.

[1][2] Veikko and Lahja Hursti had six children, one of whom continued the charity work.