Update #172
As construction of KESKUS International Estonian Centre is now in the excavation stage, staying informed about the latest news and updates is easy! There are many channels available to keep up with KESKUS.
Website www.estoniancentre.ca
The website www.estoniancentre.ca houses all KESKUS information, from the introductory walk-through video through to blogposts under news-events, the capital campaign and more. It is the reliable source for backgrounders and has the contact particulars for donations and information queries.
The site is visited seemingly from every inhabited time zone in the world, as illustrated in the site traffic report map pictured above, building on the Ernest Hemingway quote that "in every port in the world, at least two Estonians can be found" and adding "...
Monthly newsletter
The primary communication channel for KESKUS continues to be the monthly newsletter.
The communications team for KESKUS undertook a communications survey in 2019 (blog post here) and found that “A mix of channels is the most effective, based on the findings […] that show that there is no universal channel for all. The project email newsletter is the most preferred channel.”
And that finding continues to hold true - March 28, 2023 marked the date when the subscriber-o-meter clocked over to quadruple digits, ie over 1000 subscribers, and climbing!
With accelerating subscriber numbers from around the world and a newsletter open rate constant of over 80%, readers are staying up-to-date with the latest news and developments on construction progress including monthly construction videos, upcoming events, and other news related to KESKUS and to the diaspora community.
Social media
Another way to keep up with KESKUS is through its social media channels. KESKUS has thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These channels are used to share updates on the project and news, events and even contests, that may not appear in the newsletter, so follow KESKUS on social too - the handles are:
Facebook @EestiKeskus, Instagram @keskus.iec, Twitter @keskus, LinkedIn
Community engagement sessions
KESKUS has also held 18 community engagement sessions to date. These sessions are an opportunity for members of the community to meet with the KESKUS team, ask questions, and provide feedback on the project.
The sessions have been held both in-person, virtually, and hybrid, and they provide an opportunity for the KESKUS team to connect with the community and ensure that the project meets the needs of its stakeholders. Watch the most recent session here!
Whether through the monthly newsletter, social media channels, or community engagement sessions, there are many opportunities to stay informed and engaged.
KESKUS is already bringing together Estonians and friends of Estonia together from all over the world. Once open in September of 2024, it will be a dynamic hub showcasing our rich heritage and promoting Estonian innovation. It will be a vibrant gathering place for Estonians of all generations and backgrounds to connect, celebrate, and share our culture and achievements with each other and the world.
All KESKUS valued donors make a critical difference
Please join our growing list of capital campaign donors. The KESKUS International Estonian Centre’s donor categories are Kalevipoja laud for gifts over $100,000 (including naming rights for specific areas), Koidula gild, which is from $50,000-99,999, Viru vanemad for gifts of $10,000-$49,999, and Kungla rahvas for gifts up to $10,000.
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 Canadian, U.S. and Estonian donations are issued a tax receipt. KESKUS leadership donors are recognized here.
To follow the construction journey and for KESKUS updates:
Visit the KESKUS website and subscribe to the monthly newsletter:
Facebook @EestiKeskus, Twitter @keskus, Instagram @keskus.iec