Donor Profile: Andrus Ers & Tiina Järver-Ers
- ellenvalter
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Update # 255
Strengthening a strong and special bond with Canada
For Andrus Ers and Tiina Järver-Ers, the border between Canada and the United States has always been natural and fluid.
“Growing up in Buffalo, I was involved in many Estonian activities as we had a substantial community there,” Tiina recalls. “But my parents also had many friends in Toronto and they introduced me to people and events there.”
As Buffalo, NY is but a two-hour drive from Toronto, Tiina and her parents Olev and Juta Järver went there often. Her godfather Julius Ohsolin had a cottage in Muskoka and Tiina found her way to Metsaülikool as well (a cultural immersion retreat “forest university). In college in Buffalo, she joined korp! Filiae Patriae sorority in Toronto.
“As a result of all those visits, I developed very deep ties there, and some of my closest friends live in Toronto.”
“Now when I visit, I see my friends’ kids and grandkids take part in Estonian events,” she said. “I went to the Rahvajõulupuu (the annual community Christmas market) and was just amazed to see all the generations there. It’s just wonderful!”
Irene Ers & Aleksander Ers, Geislingen, Germany
The story is similar for Andrus, who grew up in New York City. His parents Aleksander and Irene Ers, like so many newcomers to North America, plunged into Estonian activities when they arrived. As a result, Andrus connected strongly with his culture and traveled back and forth between the two countries for many Estonian events.
Most notably, he organized the famed Esto Ski trips to Mont Tremblant, Quebec for 20 years. Esto Ski celebrated its 60th anniversary last year and continues to draw hundreds to the slopes annually. “Canada is a very special neighbour for us,” he said.
A sports enthusiast, Andrus has been involved in related activities for many years, both as a participant and organizer. He is vice-president of the U.S.A. Eesti Spordiliit and has been on its board for 20 years. This organization fosters sports experiences for amateur athletes with the goal of bringing Estonians together to celebrate their friendships and culture through camps and tournaments.
“I am enamoured with Canada!” he said. “And when I found out about this interesting project KESKUS and the remarkable building that is being created in Toronto, I knew I wanted to support it.”
“I feel a real kinship with Canada.”
A KESKUS donation is a natural fit
The couple had no problem agreeing to making a donation, and join the KESKUS family as Viru Vanemaddonors.
Andrus and Tiina live in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, which is about an hour west of Manhattan in New York City. Both are retired, though Andrus has recently taken up a part-time real estate vocation.
Tiina worked in corporate travel marketing and sales, primarily in the airline industry.
Andrus was also involved with airlines and corporate travel management enterprises until he was recruited to help launch two separate airport parking start-ups which grew to become industry leaders in their respective categories.
KESKUS will carry on a strong legacy
“Canada and Toronto hold a special place in my heart,” Tiina said. “KESKUS will be an important way to keep our culture alive and carry it forward.”
Tiina has been on the board of directors for the Estonian House in New York for ten years. The board is working in compiling stories from members of the community who first arrived here as immigrants. “We want to capture these memories before they are lost.”
She said she feels quite sentimental when sharing her thoughts about why it’s important to carry on the Estonian spirit.
“What we are doing goes right back to the people who worked so hard to start the Eesti Maja,” she added. “This is so important in this day and age, we need this exposure, we need to spread the word about who we are and invite others to see what we are about.”
Andrus agrees. “This project will show the world what we are capable of doing. Once it’s up and running, KESKUS will be the crown jewel of Estonian accomplishments.”
Discover the benefits of giving wisely
Please join the growing list of KESKUS capital campaign donors to help bring this extraordinary project to completion. KESKUS leadership donors are recognized here.
There are many ways to make a contribution to KESKUS.
To donate, click here, or 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, in Canada via Estonian Arts Centre, US tax receipts via Myriad USA and Estonian tax receipts via Eesti Rahvuskultuuri Fond. Donations by credit card may be made here.
Legacy gifts made to the Estonian Arts Centre, the charity associated with KESKUS, are creative and tax-effective ways to provide support. These are known as “planned gifts” because with thoughtful planning, we create a win-win situation that benefits both you and our community for generations to come. Find out how to provide a bequest in your will by going to www.estoniancentre.ca/bequest.
For information on making other types of planned gifts, including gifts of appreciated securities or insurance policies, or if you have any other questions, please contact EAC Donations Manager Taimi Hooper via email at donations@estoniancentre.ca or phone +1.647.250.7136.
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