Our Canadian-Estonian community is the envy of many diaspora communities. We have countless volunteers, broad-based multi-generational participation in culture, a tight-knit connection with each other, and we continue to offer and enjoy an incredible breadth of activities each year. We are a small community, so how do we do it?
Along with the time and expertise donated by so many community members, the secret is the significant support our organizations receive from the Estonian Foundation of Canada and its donors. Simply put, EFC support helps keep our activities of high quality, affordable and sustainable for participants, audiences and our whole community.
Twice a year, EFC grants funding to qualifying projects and organizations for activities and events that enrich and engage the Canadian-Estonian community. This spring, the EFC Board reviewed over 25 diverse requests for financial support, ranging from new, innovative special projects to camps and organizations for whom the ongoing funding is vital.
2018 Seedrioru Suvihari and Laulupäev celebrations, sponsored by EFC, were expanded this year for Estonia100 and the incredible performances served as a true testament to our community and our heritage. Choirs from Hamilton, Toronto, US and Estonia treated the audience to a North American Laulupidu, Terminaator from Estonia performed at night, and the community came together to celebrate our unique culture all weekend.
EV100 celebrations across Canada weren’t just for Independence Day. Our vibrant community continues to mark this important anniversary all year. Estonian Music Week, sponsored in part by EFC, was an amazing gift to the community and to Estonia. The Alberta Estonian Heritage Society combined their celebrations with Midsummer Night’s Eve festivities with EFC support. Still upcoming, a September Baltic 100 conference and events in Toronto and a Baltic 100 concert in Montreal keep bringing our community together this year.
Attendance is stable and even increasing at the Estonian summer camps at Jõekääru and Seedrioru. Why? In part because support from the Estonian Foundation helps keep them affordable and attractive so families keep coming back. Camps receive financial support for each child per week as well as for the required camp insurance each year. Knowing that they can depend on support from EFC helps camp organizers focus on their mission: creating memorable experiences and friendships for Estonian-heritage kids to have fun, and learn the culture and language.
Two other great traditions receiving EFC support and including EV100 celebrations in their programming are Metsaülikool, which focused on volunteerism, and EstDocs, featuring a bigger festival with added Baltic cooperation this year. EFC is proud to have been a founding sponsor.
Across Canada, EFC supports the ambitious documentation projects of the Estonian Archive in Vancouver, as well as the Vancouver Estonian Society library, Jaanipäev celebrations, and the quarterly magazine Postipoiss. Sponsorship of Golf Tournaments in Montreal and Toronto, and the Baltic Cup Hockey Tournament also supports sporting events where Canadian-Estonians come together.
EFC is a major supporter of language and cultural education across Canada including significant support for schools in Hamilton, Montreal and Toronto. Each year, EFC awards honoraria to graduates of the Toronto Estonian Schools in recognition of their dedication and achievements in Estonian culture and language. This year, EFC Director and former President Lia Hess presented EFC honoraria to Liia Holmberg, Johanna Kiik, Isabelle Laanemaa-Paskov, Alexander Meiusi, Kaili Meiusi, and Genevieve Perron.
EFC also offers scholarships to post-secondary students in 2nd year or above each year. Congratulations to the 2018 EFC Scholarship recipients Joshua Gold, Liis Jõgi, Erik Kadai, Mark Pettinen, Elin Sõber-Williams and Emilie Tamtik who will each be featured here in the coming months.
Our community is anchored by our dedicated seniors to whom we are incredibly grateful for building the foundations of Estonian life in Canada. Their children and grandchildren, our youth, make us all proud and remind us that with talent, commitment and community support, there is a bright future ahead for Estonians in Canada.
Funded solely by donations and bequests from the community, the Estonian Foundation of Canada is a registered charity that supports Estonian cultural and heritage initiatives across Canada. Donations are accepted at any time. To learn more about the Foundation or to make a donation, call 416-465-5600 or visit www.estonianfoundation.ca
EFC accepts applications for funding grants twice a year: October 15 and April 15. All applications are reviewed by the Board of Directors according to rigorous review criteria and CRA Guidelines for charitable foundations. Starting in 2019, scholarship applications will be accepted in November.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at upcoming community events! Subscribe to the EFC Community Connections Newsletter.newsletter@estonianfoundation.ca to stay up-to-date!
