Four encounters that reminded us why we help

Sometimes we learn what our help has meant long after it was given — through an unexpected encounter and a simple thank you. It happened several times towards the end of this summer. These moments belong to everyone who stands alongside Naerata Ometi.

Four encounters, one shared message

In late August, we were buying building materials at DEPO when an employee approached us to thank us. We had helped a close relative of theirs.

A week later, we met a woman in Tartu who thanked us for helping her daughter. She said it had given the family a chance to make a fresh start.

On a recent visit to Pärnu, we listened to someone who had asked us for help. Afterwards, they wrote to thank us for listening and trying to help, without blaming them for their situation.

That evening, a young woman approached us in a Rimi car park. We had helped her father and family. Her words stayed with us:

“You’re doing good work. Well done.”

These encounters reminded us that help does not end with a delivered parcel, a journey or a paid bill. Sometimes it restores a person’s confidence that they do not have to face their difficulties alone.

Our role is to listen and help

The Naerata Ometi initiative began in 2008; the non-profit association was registered on 18 May 2009. We started with the idea of organising enjoyable activities for children in residential care — singing camps, concerts and shared experiences.

As we got to know families’ situations, we saw that many first needed help with everyday essentials. This shaped our work today: supporting children, people with disabilities, older people and families facing hardship.

Requests for help arrive every day. Our small team works alongside our main jobs, and we cannot respond to every need immediately. Cooperation with other organisations, volunteers and supporters is therefore essential.

We also respect people’s privacy. Not every story is published: some families wish to remain anonymous. Their need for help and the value of their supporters’ contributions are no less important.

Behind every helping hand is a person

Aitan Eestit MTÜ has contributed to long-term projects involving several stages. Our partner MTÜ Perekolle helps us reach families in Ida-Viru County.

Thank you to DrHouse, through whom Diana joined us, and to Einar for his consistent support. Raili and Sille also joined the team this summer — it is a pleasure to work alongside you.

Sergei Astafjev has supported our projects for years, including assistance that we do not discuss publicly out of respect for families’ privacy. Wallester AS supports us monthly, helping with office, fuel and other running costs as well as contributing to projects.

Trikato OÜ provides financial support. Katus24 is a long-standing supporter who makes regular financial contributions — thank you for your continued support. Summaarum OÜ and Õnne Õuemaa keep our accounts in order. Teams at Chemi-Pharm and Next OÜ have collected clothing, everyday supplies, cosmetics and other essentials for us to pass on. We also thank the Estonian Transport Administration for its help and support.

Briketipoisid OÜ has helped rural families keep their homes warm. Their familiar response to a request for help is: “How much do you need? Will three pallets be enough?”

Getting help to people also requires transport. IV Pluss lets us use an Iveco van and takes care of its maintenance. It allows us to collect and deliver donations far more efficiently than we once could with an old Ford and trailer.

This thank you is for you, too

The people and companies mentioned here are part of a wider community. We thank everyone who has donated, shared our stories, volunteered their time, offered advice or noticed someone in need of support.

One act of kindness may not change the whole world. But it can make an enormous difference to one person’s or family’s day and future.

Thank you for helping us help others.

The Naerata Ometi team

Meet our supporters · Become a volunteer