These funds will provide individual, group and family therapy for mothers and children who experienced physical and mental abuse, and cover related transportation expenses. In addition, these donations assist in providing necessities such as food, clothing, and shoes as these mothers and children adjust to their new independent lives.
Almost one in five Estonian children (about 63,000 children) lives in poverty. This has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and resulting energy and economic crises. The cost of all goods and services has increased drastically, creating even more financial difficulty for these mothers and their children.
Donations to the EERO Children’s Fund continue to help improve the quality of life for children of mothers who have lived in abusive situations, through the specialized individual and group therapy provided by the women’s shelters. As one survivor describes: “It’s difficult for others to understand the impact that domestic abuse has on a woman’s life, how every aspect of life is controlled. I was forced to move away to the countryside, far from other people. I wasn’t allowed to drive a car, or go to community events or parties with my children. But I had to work, because my husband refused to. I was so isolated that I often thought of ending my life”.
Increased self esteem and mental health helps mothers to find and hold down a job, cope with the demands of everyday life and care for their children. EERO donations fund creative therapy sessions for children who have survived domestic abuse, to help them develop coping strategies to maintain their emotional health.
The goal of the EERO Children’s Fund is to support children of families in need and living in challenging circumstances. Working in partnership with women’s shelters in Estonia, who identify the critical needs and provide support. We understand how important it is to provide some support during the transition period, as these women and children leave an abusive situation to start a new, independent life.
During this winter and holiday season, we hope that our Canadian and American Estonian community remembers these brave mothers and children who need our support and understanding now more than ever.
EERO established the Children’s Fund in January 2020 to improve the living conditions, physical and emotional development of children facing difficult circumstances. Together with the Estonian Relief Committee in the USA (ERC), we are continuing to solicit donations to assist women and children who are survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence in Läänemaa, Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, Pärnumaa, Järvamaa and Virumaa, Estonia. With your help, they too can begin to live a peaceful, independent and fulfilling life.
To donate in Canada by etransfer: eeroesimees@gmail.com or transfer to the EERO Esto Children’s Fund at Northern Birch Credit Union or by cheque: EERO (ECF), 17 Tufton Cres., Toronto, ON, M4A 2E2. EERO is a registered Canadian charity (#89233 8369 RR0001).
If you wish to donate by credit card or PayPal, you can do so on the EERO donation page on Canada Helps. The Canada Helps site allows you to donate to either the EERO Ukrainian Refugee Fund or the EERO Children’s Fund. Canada Helps will issue you a tax receipt and transfers donations weekly to the EERO funds. Choose EERO Children’s Fund. In the US, send your tax deductible donation to the Estonian Relief Committee USA, 243 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016-4852 or donate on PayPal. The Estonian Relief Committee, Inc. issues tax receipts for donations greater than $250.00. The Estonian Relief Committee USA is a registered 501(c)3.
