The Estonian Relief Committee in Canada (ERC) will celebrate its 75th anniversary on March 7, 2026, at a fundraising evening at the Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre. Take part in the celebration by sharing your family photos and mementos of your first important steps in Canada (regardless of when you arrived)!

In the beginning, ERC helped Estonians, who had arrived from war-torn Europe after World War II, find homes and jobs. The first fundraisers were for those in need in Canada and for Estonian veterans in Europe. Over the last 75 years, in addition to the construction of Eesti Kodu and Ehatare Retirement and Nursing Home and the management of Ehatare, ERC has financially supported many other organizations and initiatives in both Canada and Estonia. Many community members have volunteered and contributed to ERC’s initiatives across Canada. All of this deserves to be preserved. 

ERC, together with VEMU Estonian Museum Canada, is announcing a collection campaign “Estonian Relief Committee in Canada 75: My First…”, which has two main goals.

1. To reflect upon ERC’s contribution to preserving Estonian identity in Canada. 

We welcome photos, memories, audio and film recordings, event invitations and programs – anything that helps preserve the role, activities and members of ERC.

2. Since ERC played a key role in helping Estonian refugees who arrived in Canada, we wish to document the success story of Estonians in Canada.

We are looking for photos and their accompanying stories, as well as films, about arriving in Canada; the first place you stayed; your first job; your first home, car or summer cottage; your first school, university, summer camp, friend, etc. Share moments with us that have been the beginning of something new in your and your family’s life in Canada. We also welcome materials from those who have arrived in Canada after the wave of immigration in the 1940’s-50’s.

Please send in your contributions no later than February 15, 2026 to VEMU Estonian Museum Canada, 310 Bloor St. W., Toronto ON M5S 1W4 or by email: info@vemu.ca.

Contribute today – you will be supporting preparations for the fundraising evening!