Update #123
The plan is for KESKUS to be under construction by February 24, 2022 – already a noteworthy date for Estonians around the world to celebrate the 104th Estonian Independence Day or “Vabariigi aastapäev”. All permits are now in place for KESKUS International Estonian Centre to commence construction in the cultural hub of downtown Toronto.
Estonia’s Ambassador to Canada, Toomas Lukk, has closely followed development of this award winning architectural gem, and calls KESKUS “eestlaste sajandiprojekt”, “Estonians’ project of the century”.
KESKUS project lead, Ellen Valter, adds, “Estonia is seen as a tiny nation capable of running on big ideas, and the same goes for the Estonian diaspora; KESKUS brings the vision of a stunning and contemporary Estonian cultural centre to life.”
International Estonian Centre Inc. board chair Heili Toome commends the perseverance of those who have brought the project this far, adding “KESKUS is living proof of Estonians’ grit and determination. It was not lacking some 75 years ago when our parents, grandparents or great grandparents were forced to flee Estonia and set up life anew, and it certainly remains alive and well today, with support for KESKUS coming in from Estonian communities around the world.”
Development manager David Kalm has set out the path to the opening of KESKUS in 2023, noting “the construction phase is on an aggressive schedule and we will update as we go, making it easy to follow along on this building journey.”
Estonian Arts Centre (EAC) is the charity associated with KESKUS, and EAC board chair Liisa Käärid mentions, “Your contributions are history in the making. A heartfelt thank you to all donors. Family and friends for generations to come will appreciate that you played a part in ensuring the Estonian diaspora will continue to thrive.”
Please follow and support the KESKUS journey as it moves into and through construction. Please sign up for the KESKUS monthly newsletter here.
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 recognized here.
To make a donation to EAC, the charity associated with KESKUS, 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 and leadership gifts can be paid over time. All donations are issued a tax receipt.
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