Support Riina, a Single Mother of Seven, in Building a New Home

In a small village in Central Estonia lives Riina (name changed to protect the family from local scrutiny and school bullying), a single mother of seven who is asking for our help. The family’s three oldest children are simultaneously studying and working in different Estonian cities, trying to support their mother as much as possible, though they often need her support in return. Four younger children are still growing up at home, the youngest of whom is only two years old.

Riina is a woman who has been through fire and water and refuses to give up despite the hardships life has thrown her way. She is a caring and loving mother who has managed on her own until now, despite the fact that the children’s fathers have fallen on hard times and provide no financial support. Having escaped two abusive relationships, Riina must raise and protect her seven children alone.

As is often the case, troubles rarely come alone. The mother fell ill and was granted partial work ability due to a back condition. Furthermore, their current residence in a three-bedroom rental apartment is dangerous for the family: the apartment is cold, damp, and drafty. Because the neighboring apartments are empty and unheated, the windows are constantly fogged up, and the corners of the ceilings and windowsills are moldy. The children are frequently sick and must wear thick woollen clothes indoors and sleep under multiple blankets.

Riina decided to find a new rental apartment where these problems would not exist. The new home is warm, but unfortunately, it is completely unfurnished. Additionally, it turned out that the owner of the current apartment is demanding a contractual penalty equal to three months’ rent because the notice period was not followed. When signing the contract, Riina could not have foreseen this, as she believed it was a decent home where the family could live for a long time.

Riina has turned to us with a request for both legal and material assistance—as well as food, children’s clothes, and essential household items. If anyone has used furniture or clothing to spare, it would be a huge help.

We need help with the following items and costs:

• Financial support: €1,600 (to cover the contractual penalty and moving costs).

• Furniture and interior items:

  • Wardrobes (1–2 units, with shelves and hanging rails)

  • A narrow shoe cabinet or hallway unit with hooks and shelves

  • A large floor mirror

  • 3 chests of drawers (2 smaller and 1 larger for bedding, towels, and laundry)

  • A desk (with 3 drawers)

  • Desk lamps

  • 1 child’s bed and 1 crib for a small child (with removable bars)

  • A thin mattress topper for a sofa

  • Four nightstands for the children

  • A small table and chair for the two-year-old

  • A low TV stand

  • Rugs/carpets to make the floors warmer

  • Warm blankets (160×200 or 200×220)

• Clothing and footwear (for the spring season):

  • Mother: Boots (size 41) and a spring/autumn jacket (size XL)

  • Girl (13 yrs): Spring jacket (Women’s S / 165 cm) and spring boots (size 40)

  • Girl (10 yrs): Spring jacket (size 146), spring boots (size 37–38), and formal shoes for performances

  • Younger child (2 yrs, size 92–98, sturdier build, shoe size 22): Tracksuits, T-shirts, socks. Long-sleeved sleepers/onesies (size 98) are also welcome.

• Other supplies:

  • Groceries for this month

  • Three bicycles in good condition for the children

  • A wide snow pusher/shovel

  • A greenhouse for the garden plot (can be older/used)

  • A scratching post or climbing tree for two cats

Everything can be second-hand—the family highly values recycling and reuse!

We have already received one child’s bed—a big thank you to Helen Haljaste from Tallinn!

We also wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Briketipoisid, whose support provided the family with fuel briquettes. This is a tremendous help to them.

Dear friends, to everyone who reaches out a helping hand—we thank you from the bottom of our hearts in advance. Together, we can do more.

Gratefully,

The NO Team