Bottom: Virve Vaher, Sirje Uriko, Mia Tarikas. Top: Helena Otsa, Toomas Kilm, Liisa Sestrich Photo: Siiri Lind
For 72 years, with generous support from Estonians in the U.S., the Estonian Relief Committee has been helping Estonians that are less fortunate.
Earlier this year, members elected the following to the Board of Directors: Toomas Kilm – President, Helena Otsa – Vice President, Virve Vaher – Secretary General & Treasurer, Liisa Sestrich – Director, Sirje Uriko – Director. The external auditors are Mia Tarikas and Tuuli Ristkok.
The organization has introduced a new bilingual website estoreliefusa.org and updated its Mission Statement to reflect today’s needs and environment in the Estonian community. One objective is to support fellow Estonians in need in the United States and in Estonia. Another objective is to help preserve and promote Estonian culture and heritage in the United States.
In Estonia, grants support needy children, the handicapped, and veterans in need of medical care and the basic necessities of education and living. The grants are provided to Estonia’s registered charities and non-profit organizations that have the local presence and means to distribute and monitor the charitable use of funds to reach many in need.
In the U.S., grants help preserve and promote Estonian culture and heritage via charitable financial support to Estonian-American youth groups and camps, educational societies, choirs and dance groups as well as related projects and events.
Grants provided in Estonia
• Tallinn Children’s Hospital Foundation
• Estonian Support Union of the Deafblind
• Kohila Children’s Center
• Estonian Association of Injured Soldiers
• Shipment of donated winter clothing
• Projects: Children, education, church
Grants provided in the U.S.A.
• NY Estonian Educational Society programs
• Estonian Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
• Federation of Associations for the
Advancement of Estonian Youth
• Estonian American Scouting Fund
• Estonian Children’s Camp in Long Island
• Estonian Archives in USA
• NY Estonian Men’s and Women’s Choirs
• Estonian Folk Dance Groups in USA
• Free Estonian Word newspaper projects
