Rahvuskapital
I am currently the Vice Chairman of the Seltside Liit (Council of Estonian Societies in Australia) and Coordinator of the Annual Relief Appeal ‘Rahvuskapital’. Every 3 years the AESL changes hands and is managed between Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Currently Adelaide is in its third and final year.
These funds provide financial support to organisations that are concerned with promoting Estonian culture and language in Australia Archives ($3000), Meie Kodu ($8000), Virgats ($1300) and Sõrve ($3000).
Historically most donations come from the older Estonians in Australia. Attempts over the years to get donations from the first and second generation Australian Estonians has been difficult. Many do not understand what the role of the AESL is. Yet these people are more likely to be working and their children may learn Estonian, they may go to Sõrve and everybody likes to go to Eesti Päevad.
However if there are not enough donations there is the real danger that the various states will have to provide their own startup funding to run these festivals. Traditionally AESL lends this money to the various states to assist with the Estonian Festival.
Last year’s appeal brought in $6995 with NSW and SA leading the way with donations but still leaving a very large deficit. While the gap was covered by interest and capital withdrawals from A. Kaljo Fund, this is being reduced each year, highlighting the need to raise substantially more funds.
Cheques/Money Orders to be made out to Council of Estonian Societies in Australia and posted to AESL Appeal Treasurer:
Eve Smart, 116 Folkestone Road, Dover Gardens SA 5048
For your convenience it is possible to transfer donations directly to our Commonwealth Bank Account BSB: 062 233 Account No: 1006-2870
All names and sums donated will be listed in the “Meie Kodu” newspaper, unless one chooses to remain anonymous.
The Appeal will close on the 30th of June 2014
Anneliis Martinson
AESL vice-chairman
Email amartinson@adelaide.on.net
