“Eesti Sihtkapital Kanadas, Estonian Foundation of Canada is a testament to our shared past, shared future, and shared commitment to living and sharing our Estonian heritage,” said EFC President Eva Varangu as she began her remarks at the meeting.
Members from across the country attended, including from Vancouver, Alberta, Montreal, and southern Ontario, as well as a number of EFC scholarship recipients, special guests, and representatives of organizations that receive EFC funding. The meeting took place in a hybrid format, at Tartu College and online via Zoom.
In 2023, EFC provided financial support to nearly 30 programs and events…
Varangu noted that this year, as Estonian Canadians, we also commemorate 80 years since the Great Escape of 1944. The way we all ended up in Canada may vary, but the impact of the illegal Soviet occupation of Estonia is one of the reasons that the founding directors formed EFC in 1974. As a registered charity, EFC provided a safe and trusted place for the community to donate assets in Canada, which could not be accessed by the Soviet aggressor. Russia continues to be the aggressor, with its war in Ukraine, and the very real threat to its neighbours. This only highlights the importance and relevance of our institutions outside Estonia, and why we must remain vigilant, and not become complacent about democracy.
In 2023, EFC provided financial support to nearly 30 programs and events including children’s summer camps, language instruction, folk dance groups, choirs, festivals, art exhibitions, and new initiatives across Canada. EFC also continued to offer scholarships to Estonian Canadian post-secondary students.
The Foundation’s 2023 Financial Report was presented by Treasurer Raul Sinimäe. Donation income for 2023 was healthy. Total expenses were largely in line with budgeted amounts and consistent with past years.
EFC’s budget for 2024 assumes a normalized amount of donations, a modest 4 percent return on the investment portfolio, and a higher rate of funding requests as activities continue to increase. The budget also assumes some increased expenses related to system upgrades and new marketing approaches. Based on these assumptions, a modest loss for the year is forecast.
Thomas Koger CPA was re-appointed as EFC’s auditor until the next Annual Meeting of Members.
EFC is governed by an experienced volunteer Board of Directors. Each year three directors must be elected. This year, Mihkel Holmberg announced that he would not stand for re-election. Maret Liik and Eva Varangu stood for re-election and Mihkel Kütti was nominated by the Board as a new director. With no further nominations, all three were appointed by acclamation for three-year terms. EFC Board of Directors to date are Eva Varangu, Kaili Sermat-Harding, Raul Sinimäe, Maris-Ann Vanaselja, Maret Liik, Lia Hess, Mihkel Kütti, Peeter Põldre, and Peter Vilde.
Vice President Kaili Sermat-Harding thanked EFC’s donors, who choose to make Estonian culture, heritage, language, and education in Canada a priority. In 2023, EFC received donations from regular donors as well as donors who gave for the very first time. EFC was especially pleased to receive donations from young professionals who were keen to give back and pay it forward.
EFC acknowledges lifetime giving through Donor Appreciation levels. In 2023, numerous donors achieved new giving levels:
- Bronze Level ($2,500): Floyd Wartnow, Inge Lane, Rosy Tretjakewitsch, Kaili Sermat-Harding, Mai Kipper, Kersti Lepik Wookey, Naani Holsmer, Peter Kukk, Andrew Chodos, Pille & Glenn Gold, Andres & Silvi-Kai Kolga, Vilme & Erich Pede.
- Silver Level ($5,000): Aili Aljas, Tamara Norheim-Lehela, Toomas Pääsuke, Kai Eichenbaum, Martin & Michelle Pede, Rein Pääsuke, Elle & Mart Rosenberg.
- Gold Level ($10,000): Ants Rannala, Liivi & Peter Forster, Eda Matiisen McClung, Arne & Kersti Randsalu, Reet & Jaanus Marley, Ann Elken-Nõu & Tõnu Nõu.
- Platinum Level ($20,000): Ene-Liis Martens, Alar & Marje Suurkask, Peeter & Kathryn Põldre.
- Diamond Level ($100,000): Mati Kontus & Mioara Cercel.
President Varangu thanked everyone for attending the meeting, as well as Kristina Põldre, Tory Hutchings, Michael Auksi, Tuula Heinar, and Toomas Tammark for volunteering to assist. Thanks were extended to Nicole Pede, who has deftly managed the EFC office and achieved so much for EFC in a short time. Nicole leaves EFC in August to begin law school. Maarika Merirand was introduced as the new EFC Foundation Manager, bringing strong business and relationship management skills to the office. Special thanks were given to the outgoing director, Mihkel Holmberg, who served on the EFC Board for 10 years with exceptional intelligence, expert legal advice, a consistently calm demeanour, and great commitment and care.
Varangu also thanked the leaders of the different programs and initiatives funded by EFC, most of whom are volunteers, noting that “we should all be proud of how we each contribute to our community to keep the Estonian in us alive”.
Please consider donating to Estonian Foundation of Canada to help ensure our Shared Future. Donate today at www.estonianfoundation.ca or call the office at 416.465.5600 to learn more about ways to give.
