The fate and history of 80,000 displaced Estonians was suppressed for 50 years with slanderous accusations by the Soviet authorities. In order to remind the new generations, both in the diaspora and Estonia, 2024 is being commemorated as the 80th anniversary of the Mass Flight of 1944 (Suurpõgenemine ’44).
For the past several years, the dedicated members of the 1944 Mass Flight Committee of the Estonian World Council have laboured tirelessly to ensure that the sacrifices and struggles of those who embarked on the perilous journey of the Mass Flight are never forgotten: a Memorial Statue, Puudutus, has been commissioned. It is planned to be unveiled this September, next to the Pärnu River from where thousands fled in those little boats and ships.
But to make this monument a reality, funds need to be raised from the Estonian worldwide diaspora. Please become an important part of this Commemoration of our Refugee forefathers by making a generous donation to this project.
Read our Pärnu Monument Appeal publications:
- Join Estonians worldwide in creating a place of Remembrance
- Why I donated towards the Mass Flight Memorial – Esmée’s Story
- A Sea of Fire: Fleeing Estonia in 1944 – Saima’s Story
- Homage For My Estonian Father & Grandmother – Rory’s Story
- From running a Dairy co-operative to a new life in Australia – Hillar’s Story
- AESL Pärnu Funding update
- Digital Exhibition: The Great Escape 1944
- The Journey to Ilmalõpu – Jaak’s Story
- As far from Europe as possible – The Talmet Family Story
- Video Interview — Viido Narustrang’s Story
- Update on funding for the Parnu Memorial to the 1944 Refugees
- Taken in the Middle of the Night — Silvia Lass’ Story
- Separated from his family in the tragedy of war – Aksell Keert’s story
Donate to the Pärnu monument appeal 2024
To make this monument a reality, 60,000 euros needs to be raised from the Estonian worldwide diaspora. Australia, home to one of the largest diaspora communities, plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. AESL is leading the efforts to collect donations on behalf of Estonians in Australia, with a target of raising at least AUD $15,000 by July 31, 2024.
AUSTRALIA WE DID IT!
UPDATE FROM ORGANISERS:
Thanks to the efforts from countries like USA, Australia, and Canada, we have raised nearly 74,000 euros. However, the worldwide fundraising continues. This means that we have been able to upgrade from the basics, e.g. we will be able to upgrade the base from poured concrete to Estonian granite and install appropriate lighting, to make this a truly great memorial.
We need more generous donations for the finishing touches – another 7,000 euros!
What to do
Find the links and details you need below.
Here’s how Estonians in Australia are going so far.
Ways to donate
You can donate via Direct Deposit or Cheque. Please fill out the Pledge form to enter your details and the amount you intend to donate. This will help us match up the donations we receive for the appeal. We will also ask you if you would like your donation to be recognised on the AESL website or if you would prefer to remain anonymous.
You can also help us to spread the word by sharing this appeal with your friends and family. Use the share links below to post this appeal on social media. Thank you for joining us in preserving the Estonian story and honoring our past.
Thank you for keeping Estonian memory alive at home and throughout the world
- Email: aesl@eesti.org.au
- AESL Website: eesti.org.au/AESL
- AESL Facebook Group and Page
- Estonian World Council (ÜEKN) Website: uekn.ee/en/
- Sign up to the Australians in Estonia newsletter below