EFC President Eva Varangu opened the 51st Annual Meeting of Members by saying, “EFC’s charitable activities underscore a sense of belonging to a community, and an understanding that we achieve more by working together!” The hybrid event welcomed EFC members, donors, and representatives from community organizations from across Canada.
“EFC is more than simply a funder,” Varangu continued. She explained that the registered charity is an integral part of the community’s ecosystem, with children and youth at its core. Providing children access to schools, kindergartens, and other activities ensures that our community continues. Camps and events keep our youth connected. And cultural activities, sports events, and gatherings make sure our adults remain engaged with the Estonian community.
Varangu acknowledged that while EFC plays a critical role in providing much-needed financial support, “it is our members, donors, agent organizations, other funding recipients and volunteers who help make the Estonian community thrive”. By necessity, EFC has a long-term perspective while addressing immediate and short-term needs; supporting what works and welcoming applications with new ideas and different approaches. “The decisions we make today have a significant impact now and on future generations,” Varangu emphasized.
Raul Sinimäe, EFC’s Treasurer, presented the 2025 financial statements, highlighting sound investment income and expenses in line with previous years. Members voted to re-appoint Thomas Koger CPA as EFC’s auditor until the next Annual Meeting of Members.
Representatives from Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital, EFC’s long-time investment advisor, provided an overview of how CC&L invests EFC’s funds and EFC’s positive investment history with them.
EFC is led by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. Each year, three-year terms of three directors come to an end. This year, Maris-Ann Vanaselja and Peter Vilde stood for re-election, while Lia Hess chose not to run again. The Board nominated Mati Pajo, an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer and an active member of the Estonian community, as a new Director. Pajo, Vanaselja, and Vilde were appointed by acclamation.
Vice President Kaili Sermat-Harding thanked EFC’s donors, all of whom are united by a shared celebration of Estonian language, heritage, and culture, and a strong belief in the importance of an active Estonian community in Canada. She acknowledged a number of dedicated long-term donors in attendance, as well as donors who achieved new lifetime giving levels in 2025.
The full list of donors who have given more than $2,500 in total since 1993 can be found on EFC’s website. EFC also thanks those donors who have achieved new lifetime giving levels in 2025 but have asked to remain anonymous. EFC can only support and promote a vibrant, connected Estonian community in Canada thanks to donations and solid financial management and investment.
Eva Varangu shared the results of EFC’s charitable work that focuses on culture, heritage, language and education. In 2025, EFC funded more than 30 initiatives and projects across Canada, including providing major operating grants to the two largest Estonian summer camps and Toronto Estonian Kindergarten. EFC provided financial support for activities and events in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario, supporting choirs, folk dance groups, art exhibitions, sports events, concerts, community gatherings and much more. In 2025, 15 young Estonian Canadians received scholarships from EFC’s Mäeks, EFC’s Blum and EFC’s regular funds. Students should take note that scholarship application guidance can change – the most current information can be viewed on EFC’s website. Varangu also reminded attendees about the annual EFC’s Rahvajõulupuu, An Estonian Christmas, which took place in December 2025. This popular event again brought together hundreds of people in the GTA and beyond to celebrate our community and the holiday spirit. She added that next December is not too far away and planning for this year’s event has begun with a possible new location in KESKUS.
Toward the end of the meeting, Eva Varangu reminded attendees that EFC, along with Estonian House (Toronto), NBCU (formerly Estonian Credit Union) and Tartu College were the founding organizations of KESKUS, the new International Estonian Centre. The strong collaboration between the four organizations, the dedicated research, debate, discussions and provision of early financial support was integral to making this dream of a new home for Estonians into a reality.
With KESKUS expected to be completed this year, EFC’s Board agreed to donate One Million dollars to KESKUS. This came from forgiving an earlier loan of $1 Million plus accrued interest provided to the project. Eva Varangu presented Ellen Valter, Project Lead of KESKUS, with the gift.
President Varangu closed the meeting thanking everyone for attending. She also thanked Lia Hess for her many years of service on the EFC Board. Eva then thanked EFC’s Office Manager Maarika Merirand for her expertise, as well as volunteers Annika Tork, Johanna Kiik, Laura Pereira, Nicole Pede, and Roland Brookes. At the end of the meeting, Eva Varangu reminded that EFC continues to be interested in names of qualified people who would consider standing for election to the EFC board in future, as part of EFC’s succession planning.
To learn more about EFC’s charitable activities and to donate, please visit EFC’s website estonianfoundation.ca or subscribe to EFC’s newsletter.
