EERO Canada is well known at TalTech for supporting students with scholarships. Less known is EERO’s structure and donors. Who are the philanthropists?
EERO: The Estonian Ecumenical Relief Organisation is a Canadian charity established in 1990 with a mission to support Estonia. Mari Ann Tammark is a founding member, along with Laas Leivat, Estonia’s Honorary Consul in Toronto. The Board also includes Kaupo Kallemaa, Mart Pikkov, and Christina Luik.
The contributors to EERO Canada’s various funds are individuals and organisations with an Estonian heritage. Most are refugees who escaped from Estonia in 1944 and their offspring. A second group of Estonian emigrants settled in Canada’s western Province of Alberta between 1900 and the second World War and some of their descendants maintain an active allegiance to Estonia. A third and still smaller group arrived in Canada in the last two decades of the past century. While some integrated seamlessly into Canadian society, others joined Estonian organisations to ensure that their children maintained the Estonian language.
A fourth and very small group have developed an allegiance to Estonia, through marriage and friends, learned the language and visited Estonia.
What are the principles guiding EERO Canada’s activities?
Individuals associated with EERO Canada are motivated by goodwill toward Estonia and ask, “How can I best be of benefit?” Volunteering and charity are broadly appreciated virtues.
In the early 1990’s, we sold “EEROpaks” — empty boxes filled with clothing and useful household items for relatives in Estonia. Shipped by container, then distributed in Estonia. In that manner, Canadian Estonians supported not only their relatives; and revenue supported shipments to hospitals, orphanages, and schools.
In the early years of Estonia’s re-independence, EERO Canada dispatched an ambulance, medications, and equipment to hospitals. Copiers, supplies, and computers were sent to schools. In sum, goods amounting to $700,000 in value were transferred to Estonia. The Canadian Government also contributed to several projects with doctors, dentists and teachers.
Through the efforts of Board members, the Honorary Consul, the local Estonian newspaper, families and friends, EERO Canada has developed an expansive and strong network.
How large have the largest contributions been?
By far, the largest contributions have been bequeathed from estates. These range from $20,000 to $150,000.
In lieu of gifts, individuals celebrating a 70th birthday, often ask their guests to make a donation in their name, either individually or as a group.
EERO Canada encourages both individuals and businesses to support worthy institutions; for example, the University.
Which initiatives and activities is EERO Canada actively supporting?
Presently, we are directing funds to educational, health-related, and community initiatives. We have agreements with several organisations consistent with our mission. In aggregate, we’ve distributed $3.7 million dollars. In the year 2022, the amount exceeded $500,000. Some of that benefitted refugees — mostly women and children — escaping the violence in Ukraine. Other sums went to women’s support centres (Haapsalu, Rakvere, Järvamaa, Pärnumaa, and Saaremaa), the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO), the Pärnu music festival, and TalTech scholarships.
It’s not uncommon for donors to identify worthy causes, based on contacts with doctors, scientists and friends. Our contemporary network has expanded in a magnitude historically inconceivable because of new connections between Canadians and Estonians.
EERO has distributed scholarships to Technical University students since 1992. What’s the motivation behind that?
EERO Canada formed an agreement with Rector, Olev Aarma, before the Development Foundation was established. Initially, scholarships were dispensed from City Hall; the result of intensive interaction with Mihkel Pikner, erstwhile Dean of Mechanical Engineering; also, an alumnus.
The first scholarship was established by alumnus, Manivald Eelnurme, to commemorate his father. Seed capital came from Eelnurme, his daughters and friends which could award scholarships for many years. EERO Canada eventually assumed that responsibility and changed the name to, EERO TalTech stipendium.
The first woman to win the scholarship was Eva Vellesaar. It has also been awarded to: Tarvo Treiman, Verno Õige, Janek Luppin, and Argo Ojamäe.
TalTech is committed to maintaining high standards, teaching specialties important in a dynamic economy and maintaining a high standard of living. Graduates have proved to be successful specialists and innovators, essential to Estonia’s future.
Why is support for young people so important to EERO Canada and its contributors?
TalTech students acquire knowledge and skills imperative to a high standard of living. These include: environmental protection, mechanical engineering, robotics, and computer science. Those who don’t opt for a specialty can become teachers or entrepreneurs; even journalists or legislators. Their academic background prepares them to face the world.
How have Estonia’s networks of support evolved over time?
Over the past 30 years, it can be seen how much social and economic development has progressed. It is a joy to witness the strides and improvements.
Developing a culture of philanthropy is a long and slow process. For that, EERO Canada encourages businesses and TalTech alumni to closely monitor and support students in their studies. They are, after all, Estonia’s future.
Personally, I’m delighted to work with TalTech’s development fund.
Based on an article written by Elinor Toming, Director Arengufond and translated by Andres Gutman, on behalf of EERO Canada.
