Update #120
A look back on 2021, and a look forward to 2022!
As 2021 draws to a close, we reflect on a remarkable year filled with community-building, progress, challenges and excitement. Despite construction-related hurdles posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, spirits are strong and momentum continues to build for the KESKUS project.
Over the past 12 months, KESKUS has achieved much, starting with developing its KESKUS International Estonian Centre name, through to gaining new board members, fundraising campaign ambassadors, hundreds of new donors from around the world, and hundreds of new followers on social media and subscribers to the monthly newsletter.
New KESKUS Campaign Ambassadors
KESKUS is grateful to several wonderful Estonian celebrities who joined the project as Campaign Ambassadors. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Former President of the Republic of Estonia, continues to serve as Honorary Chair of the KESKUS Capital Campaign.
This year, professional tennis champion Anett Kontaveit, the highest-ranked Estonian singles player of all time and the first Estonian to participate in the 2021 WTA Finals, lent her support to the project. From Estonia via video, she commented “KESKUS will be home to everyone with Estonian roots. You can do a great service by supporting KESKUS.”
Grammy-winning conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, acclaimed Estonian director Elmo Nüganen and Olympic gold medal winner Erki Nool also joined the project as Campaign Ambassadors in 2021.
Hundreds of New Donors from Across the Globe
Over the past twelve months, hundreds of new donors stepped forward to pay tribute to their roots and make a lasting difference in shaping the future of the Estonian community. These donors supported KESKUS from across Canada and the United States, as well as Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, New Zealand, Italy, Germany, and of course, Estonia. The 3-day “Tere, KESKUS” campaign raised over $2.8 million thanks to matching funds provided by two generous donors.
The Capital Campaign is ongoing, and currently stands at $8.3 million of its $10 million goal. With the pandemic affecting construction supply and labour costs, KESKUS needs each and every donor. Please write to donations@estoniancentre.ca to make your contribution to ensure that KESKUS will be the best it can be.
KESKUS valued donors make a critical difference!
Please join the growing list of capital campaign donors! KESKUS International Estonian Centre’s donor categories are Kalevipoja Laud for gifts of $100,000 and above (including naming rights for specific areas), Viru Vanemad for gifts of $10,000 and above, and Kungla Rahvas for gifts under $10,000. KESKUS leadership donors are listed here.
To make a donation, please call +1.647.250.7136 or email donations@estoniancentre.ca. Donations may be made as a family gift, or in honour of an individual or family. All donations are issued a tax receipt.
Let’s keep in touch!