When Raivo and Anne-Mari Remmel think of the next generation of Estonians, they envision a flame burning brightly for the future. 
“We feel good about it,” Raivo and Anne-Mari said. “It’s the right thing to do, and giving to the centre to the best of our ability so the future of our community is strong is very much in our hearts.”
“Watching this project evolve has been incredible,” said Raivo, who is
a chemical engineer and owner of specialty chemical companies Nortek Inc. and Aqua-Tek Inc.
Raivo has been involved first-hand in how the Toronto Estonian community has evolved. He has been on the board of the Estonian House for over 20 years, most of the time as president, and was recently re-elected as vice president for another three-year term.
“Our youth are very proud of their heritage, and this is so positive,” remarks Anne-Mari, who is a business graduate from Ryerson University.
“The new centre gives them a meeting point, a place where they can celebrate their roots and make lifelong connections.”
Raivo points out that Estonia is a small country that has always “punched above its weight,” and that it needs to stay strong and visible to protect its integrity and independence.
They believe the new centre will help accomplish this goal.
The couple say there is no question that staying connected to the Estonian community is one of the most important things in their lives – and they strongly believe everyone’s support will keep the spirit burning bright.
“The more we give as a community, the better it can be!”
Get involved and help support our future
Are you interested in helping build this spectacular new home for the global Estonian community? Please join our growing list of capital campaign donors! The International Estonian Centre’s donor categories are Kalevipoja Laud for gifts over $100,000 (including naming rights for specific areas), for gifts over $10,000, and Kungla Rahvas for gifts up to $10,000. Stay tuned for the launch of the Kungla
Rahvas campaign in 2021.
To make a donation, please contact donations@estoniancentre.ca.
Donations may be made as a family gift, or in honour of an individual or family. All Canadian and U.S. donations will be issued a tax receipt.
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