“Today we mark the 50th Annual Meeting of Members – proof that this corporation remains a strong and trusted charity for your donations,” EFC President Eva Varangu addressed the meeting. The hybrid meeting in Tartu College and over Zoom brought together EFC members, donors, special guests, EFC scholarship recipients and representatives of EFC-funded organizations and initiatives from across Canada.
Following the introduction to the meeting, historical photos of EFC’s beginnings were shown. Eva began with the first Annual Meeting in 1974 showing attendees filling the main hall of Toronto Estonian House. Then a photo of the first Board of Directors and the multiple committees after votes were counted. Photos of EFC Boards throughout the years followed. Eva thanked the previous Directors who have volunteered their expertise and time over the 50 years, as well as previous EFC staff members for their dedication.
This historical overview emphasized how EFC has advanced while staying true to its roots as a well-governed, transparent and trustworthy charity.
Eva also reflected on EFC’s integral role in the creation of the new International Estonian Center KESKUS. EFC, together with Tartu College, Estonian House and NBCU, are the four founding organizations of KESKUS. As the construction moves closer to completion, EFC was approached with a request to access EFC’s remaining commitment of up to $1M dollars to the project and discussions have begun.
The new logo continues to symbolize our roots, accentuates growth and highlights EFC’s long-standing role in the community.
EFC has continued to update its policies and procedures. EFC’s role as a major funder of numerous Estonian organizations who desperately need EFC grants to operate continues as new initiatives also ask EFC for grants. An updated logo for EFC has also been part of the process. The new logo continues to symbolize our roots, accentuates growth and highlights EFC’s long-standing role in the community. “Throughout EFC’s history, the focus has always been on how to do the most amount of good for the most amount of people,” said Eva.
In 2024 EFC provided support to more than 30 programs and initiatives including children’s summer camps, language instruction, folk dance groups and choirs. The latter is especially important for preparations leading up to the Estonian Song and Dance Festival. EFC also supported the many commemorations of the 1944 horrors and the Great Escape.
EFC continues to offer three scholarship programs to Estonian Canadian post-secondary students. Scholarship applications are accepted annually in June. To recognize elementary and secondary students learning Estonian in Canada, EFC launched the Estonian Language Studies Awards in 2024.
Eva reminded the attendees that EFC believes in quality programs and new initiatives. She encouraged community organizations and groups to get in touch to discuss how EFC can help. Applications for funding can be submitted twice a year – in March and October.
EFC Treasurer Raul Sinimäe presented EFC’s 2024 Financial Report. Donations to EFC were stable and investments did well. The 2024 expenses were in line with the budget. Thomas Koger CPA was re-appointed as EFC’s auditor until the next Annual Meeting of Members.
EFC is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. Each year three Directors must be elected. This year, Peeter Põldre, Kaili Sermat-Harding and Raul Sinimäe stood for re-election and were appointed by acclamation. 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.
In 2024 EFC received donations from community members across the country, including Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, BC and even Yukon.
“Donations are at the very core of EFC’s ability to support a strong and connected Estonian community in Canada,” said Kaili Sermat-Harding, EFC Vice President. In 2024 EFC received donations from community members across the country, including Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, BC and even Yukon. Donations came in from past and regular donors, and donors who gave to EFC for the very first time.
EFC acknowledges lifetime giving through Donor Appreciation levels. In 2024, numerous donors achieved new giving levels:
- Bronze Level ($2,500): Evy Beraldo, Martin Kiik, Raivo Remmel, Helen Roosiorg, Linda Soolepp, Matti Sünd
- Silver Level ($5,000): Toivo Kruusma, Helgi & Peeter Leesment, Ruth Merits-Patterson, Robert Torokvei
- Gold Level ($10,000-$19,000): Maret Liik, Andres Liinve, Katrin Roop & Sven Lilleoru
- Diamond Level ($100,000 and above):Martin & Virve Reigam Trust
Kaili thanked all the donors and concluded that “EFC donors are united by a shared belief in the importance of a vibrant and connected Estonian community in Canada.”
At the end of the meeting, Eva thanked Maarika Merirand, EFC’s current Foundation Manager, as well as Laas and Lief Kolga, Tory Hutchings, Joonas Roose and Keila Kopvillem for volunteering to help at the AMM.
“We all know that it’s not a cliché to say we are stronger when we work together,” Varangu said. She thanked all the meeting attendees, “Aitäh kõigile tulemast ja jõudu tööle! Eesti Sihtkapital Kanadas jääb ikka Teile toeks!”
Please consider donating to Estonian Foundation of Canada to help ensure our Shared Future. Donate today at estonianfoundation.ca or call the office at 416.465.5600 to learn more about ways to give.
