In the past two months, the Estonian Ecumenical Relief Organization in Canada (EERO) has received an unprecedented number of donations from many different organizations, whose members have stepped up to assist Ukrainian refugees sheltering in Estonia.
Congratulations to the Vancouver Estonian community for raising over $4000 for the EERO Ukrainian Refugee Fund on Sunday, April 10th! A live lecture event was organised jointly by the sorority Filiae Patriae (C!FP) and the Society for Advancement for Estonian Studies in Canada (SAESC/EKÜK). “Arvo Pärt - Modern Estonian Master” was presented by Thomas Kirves, beloved conductor of the Läänetuul (Western Wind) choir. 45 people attended in person, while other community members participated virtually. Our heartfelt thanks go to Ingrid Solde, Lilian Oljum, Kati Nõmme and Viive Alexander for their hard work. In addition, several generous donations came from Vancouver directly to EERO for which we are very grateful.
Many Estonians have grown up hearing the harrowing stories of parents or grandparents, who arrived in Canada as war refugees from 1944 onward. Some are choosing to donate in their memory. EERO has received in memoriam donations to the EERO Ukrainian Refugee Fund, honouring Mare Roomets, Lilli Pill and Irja Mägi.
“One the main objectives of ERC (the Estonian Relief Committee in Canada) has been to collaborate with other Estonian organizations like EERO to provide help wherever it’s needed in the Estonian community”, says Kristina Valter, Board Member. ERC is donating $10,000 to the EERO Ukrainian Refugee Fund, to help communities, towns and schools in Estonia cope with the critical needs of Ukrainian children fleeing daily across the border.”
In its 55th year of operation, Toronto’s Kotkajärve Metsaülikool or University of the Forest (MÜ), has also committed its support. MÜ has launched a newsletter campaign to encourage all past participants to donate to the EERO Ukrainian Refugee Fund. “ MÜ has always received assistance from the Estonian Republic for our summer camps and other cultural programs”, says Maimu Mölder, MÜ Director. “Now it’s our turn to support Estonia!”
Thanks to all the individuals and organizations, who continue to fundraise and donate to support Ukrainian refugees in Estonia, EERO will be able to transfer a further $30,000 to Estonia.
That brings our total to date to over $181,000 or 140,000 euros.