In this new Volunteer Spotlight series, KESKUS will feature some of the many talented members of the community who donate their time and expertise to the project.
What motivates Hans to lend his support to the project? “I’m very proud of my heritage,” says Hans. “I’m glad to join this focused team since KESKUS is going to be a beautiful place.”
Keeping KESKUS Interests at the Forefront
Hans’ volunteer work comes at a pivotal time for the project. Groundbreaking is imminent, and COVID has impacted the construction industry in several ways.
Hans explains, “some trades are simply too busy these days and I’ve worked with them for over 30 years, so where there’s a challenge, I can add to the reach. This is even more important on this project, where our timelines are tight and the job is complex.”
Development Manager David Kalm is pleased to have Hans lend his expertise to the project: “Hans has a great deal of experience with the trades and tenders. With the construction industry being unpredictable with various covid-related impacts, Hans helps the project make sure that the Construction Manager (read more here: https://www.estoniancentre.ca/post/construction-manager) has several participants pricing each job while keeping KESKUS interests at the forefront.”
“A Centre for All of Us is Long Overdue”
Hans continues to work with The Conservatory Group as Construction Project Manager and remembers when his father was involved in the building of Eesti Kodu on Kingston Road. “I worked as a labourer after high school on the Eesti Kodu project, sweeping floors and hauling materials,” Hans recalls, “I’ve never left the Estonian community and my two daughters are proud to be Estonian too.”
More recently Hans worked with Estonian House in Toronto Limited to redevelop onsite, although those efforts did not get off the ground. He is already impressed with the KESKUS project and with Alar Kongats, architect of KESKUS. “My parents were good friends with Alar’s parents and I’ve known him since he was about 7 years old,” notes Hans. “We have a good architect I can say that. Alar’s design is spectacular and KESKUS will be a great looking place that people will want to flock to for weddings or other functions, or just to meet up with friends. A Centre for all of us is long overdue!”
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), Viru Vanemad 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 Urve Tamberg at 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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