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

The post Support Riina, a Single Mother of Seven, in Building a New Home appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Dear friends,

At the end of October last year, a tragic accident occurred in the village of Ilmandu (Klooga mnt 51), Harju County. A fire completely destroyed the home of 60-year-old Margus and 52-year-old Klaarika—a house they had spent nearly 30 years building and renovating with their own hands.

It wasn’t just a house.

It was their life’s work.

They had established a garden around the home, created a small plot of farmland, and grew their own produce. All of it was destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Tragically, their mother perished in the fire, and all of the family’s worldly possessions were lost. Only the garage remained untouched by the flames.

There was no insurance

The house was over a hundred years old, and its restoration and various additions had consumed all of their income over the years. The thought of getting insurance kept being pushed forward… until the unimaginable happened.

Temporary housing, but an uncertain future

The local municipality has provided the family with a social apartment for one year to allow them time to recover from the shock and move forward. The local community has helped with essentials—clothing, dishes, and other necessities.

The family has two daughters who support their parents in every way they can, but their strength alone is not enough.

A new beginning: A small home, great hope

Margus and Klaarika understand that rebuilding a house of the same size is not realistic. Their initial goal is to acquire a small house (a “tiny house”) of approximately 60 m², which they could continue to build upon themselves in the future.

Currently, they are working on the design of the tiny house and are reaching out to the local municipality to receive at least partial support for laying the foundation.

They are not afraid of work. They have the will and the skills. They only lack the opportunity to start again.

How can you help?

Our goal is to collect donations and building materials so that Margus and Klaarika can begin constructing their small home.

We are looking for:

• Financial donations

• Building materials

• Help and advice regarding the construction of a tiny house

• Contacts for modular home manufacturers or builders

Every contribution counts. Even a small donation helps them move step-by-step back toward having a home.

Let’s help together

Dear friends, let’s help Margus and Klaarika. Let’s help them restore not just a building, but their sense of security and home.

We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts who is able to support.

The post Let’s Help Margus and Klaarika Start Over appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Christmas is a time of anticipation and miracles. It is a period when everyone deserves warmth, love, and joy. This year, the “Christmas Smile 2025” campaign, led by Naerata Ometi NGO, will once again bring Christmas joy to hundreds of children across Estonia for whom the holiday season is spent in challenging circumstances.

We are sincerely delighted to join forces with the SA Heategevusfond Minu Unistuste Päev foundation for this campaign. Together with them, we will give a Christmas miracle to children who are in hospitals.

Additionally, with your support, Naerata Ometi NGO will also fulfill the very personal gift wishes of children in substitute homes and from families facing financial difficulties.

Our goal is to raise €40,000 to fulfill 1,000 children’s gift wishes.

As part of the 2025 joint project, we plan to:

• Visit Estonian hospitals and children’s wards, bringing gifts to nearly 500 children. (The first visits are already set: Tartu on December 11th and Tallinn on December 22nd. Negotiations for others are underway.)
• Visit 10 substitute homes, bringing Christmas joy to nearly 300 children.
• Provide gifts for nearly 200 children from large families whose families lack the means to do so.

Why is your help important?

We all take Christmas warmth, the scent of the tree, and gifts for granted. But there are children who spend the holidays in a hospital bed, longing for home; those who grow up in substitute homes, dreaming of a real family; and those whose parents simply cannot afford to give them gifts.

Every donation and every good deed is a message to these children: “You are not alone. We see you and we care.” Together with you, we can fulfill their Christmas wishes and show that even in the most difficult times, there is hope and kindness.

Transparency: Where Exactly Does Your Help Go?

We are raising donations to fulfill the wishes of 1,000 children. Your contribution will help us reach three target groups:

1. Children in Hospitals (approx. 500 children) – In cooperation with Minu Unistuste Päev

• This is the heart of our joint project with Minu Unistuste Päev. Together, we will visit Estonian hospitals and children’s wards to bring holiday joy to children who cannot be home for Christmas.
• (The first visits are already set: Tartu on December 11th and Tallinn on December 22nd. Negotiations for others are underway.)

2. Children in Substitute Homes (approx. 300 children) – Naerata Ometi NGO

• With your support, Naerata Ometi NGO will also fulfill the very personal gift wishes of children from 10 different substitute homes.

3. Children from Families in Financial Difficulty (approx. 200 children) – Naerata Ometi NGO

• We will also help those families where parents lack the means to afford a Christmas gift for their child. Your donation helps us deliver gift bags to nearly 200 children from large families.

How can you help?

• Donate financially: Every euro counts and directly becomes the fulfillment of one child’s dream. Your contribution helps us buy the exact gifts the children have wished for.
• Spread the word: Share information about “Christmas Smile 2025” on your social media, among friends and family. The more people who know, the bigger the change we can create together.
• Become a volunteer: Join our team of elves! Every helping hand is invaluable in packing and delivering the gifts.

An invitation for companies and teams – Let’s do good together!

Are you looking for a way for your team to do something truly good this Christmas? We invite you to consider supporting our campaign. You have several invaluable ways to help:

• Choose “Christmas Smile 2025” as the destination for your Christmas donation. Your company’s financial contribution will help us reach hundreds of children and fulfill their dreams.
• Contribute products for the gift bags. We visit hundreds of children in hospitals, bringing them joy with gift bags. If your company has products suitable for children (toys, sweets, craft supplies, hygiene products, etc.), they are very welcome in the gift bags.
• Take on the gift wishes for an entire substitute home with your team! This is a heartfelt and very direct way to do charity, organized by Naerata Ometi NGO. We will provide you with a list of children from one home along with their specific wishes—for example, one teenager dreams of high-quality headphones, while a younger child is eagerly waiting for a new LEGO set.

We want to sincerely thank our long-term partners like the Sorainen law firm. In previous years, the EBS school community and the Eesti Metsameister team, for example, have helped fulfill children’s dreams in this exact way.

If you feel that any of these options resonates with your team, please contact us at info@naerataometi.ee!

Make your decision today

The sooner you join our campaign, the more children we can assure that their Christmas wish will be fulfilled. Together, let’s make Christmas 2025 special and memorable for many children. We sincerely thank everyone who is considering supporting our joint campaign. We look forward to the opportunity to do good with you and bring joy to the lives of Estonia’s children.

The post Two foundations, one goal: Christmas joy for every child! appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Dear friends,

We are once again reaching out to you to help complete a project that is very close to our hearts. Thanks to your previous support, we have already taken a big step forward in helping a hardworking young family living in Viljandimaa. However, one more joint effort is still needed for their dream home to be finished.

How did it all begin?

A few years ago, Marjata and Reio, together with their child, bought a small house in Viljandimaa with the help of their savings and an installment plan. It was their dream of owning a home. Unfortunately, the house was in very poor condition: the roof was leaking, the walls couldn’t keep out the wind, and the floors and stoves needed complete replacement.

But the biggest problem was that the house had no electricity. The previous owner had it cut off due to unpaid debts, and as first-time homeowners, the young couple had no idea how complicated and expensive it would be to get it reconnected.

Work done – incredible progress!

Despite the difficult start, the family didn’t give up. With their own hands, they have done an enormous amount of work: the roof has been patched, the walls reinforced, and new windows and doors installed.

Most importantly – thanks to you, dear donors, and hardworking volunteers, the largest part of the project has already been completed! Over 100 meters of cable trench has been dug, and the main power cable has been installed underground. It was a massive job, accomplished thanks to the community’s support!

A new challenge – the last obstacle on the way

Unfortunately, it turned out that the family does not qualify for any state or local support measures for connecting to the electricity grid – their situation falls exactly between the rules, which means they cannot receive help from official systems.

Right now, the family depends on power banks and a single solar panel, which is clearly not enough for everyday life. They are just one step away from a normal life, but that last step is too big without our help.

What else is needed to bring light into the home?

We are very close to the goal! To finally bring electricity to Marjata and Reio’s home, the following is still needed:

• Dig the last 35 meters of trench to the house.

• Purchase the necessary cables and install the electrical cabinet with circuit breakers.

• Pay the connection fee for joining the power grid.

In total, about €4,000 still needs to be raised.

Let’s make this final effort together and help this hardworking family finally have a real home! Every contribution is an important step closer to bringing them light.

With heartfelt thanks in advance,

The NO team

The post Continuation Project in Suislepa: Helping a Young Family Get Electricity in Their Home appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

We are once again turning to you with a plea for help, this time for Piia, a single mother from Läänemaa, and her three young children, aged 5, 7, and 9.

Piia recently lost her job because her former employer faced financial difficulties and had to terminate her contract. Since the beginning of the year, Piia has been registered as unemployed and occasionally takes on short-term jobs as a support person. Unfortunately, this income is not enough to cover the family’s basic needs – food for the children, mortgage payments, utility bills, and electricity.

Piia separated from the children’s father years ago due to his struggles with alcohol, and unfortunately, the father does not provide child support. From our side, we are offering Piia the support of a lawyer, a financial advisor, and a peer counsellor.

Piia is actively searching for a new, permanent job, but a significant challenge is her lack of a car and a driver’s license, which makes her completely dependent on public transport. However, she is very hopeful that she can return to work as early as next month, which would bring stability to the family and perhaps even allow the children to attend after-school activities.

Before losing her job, Piia was managing well. In the spring of 2021, with the help of a large-family grant from KredEx (a state foundation), she was able to secure a loan to buy a home for her family. However, her current situation has made it impossible to keep up with the mortgage payments.

The local government has supported the family with food from the food bank, a grocery store gift card, and one-off benefits. Piia’s eldest child, who is already living independently, has also helped with groceries and financial support from time to time. Unfortunately, they too have recently lost their jobs and can no longer provide the same level of assistance.

Dear friends, let’s come together to help Piia and her lovely children so that they do not lose the most important thing they have – their home.

Currently, the family has the following debts:

• Mortgage debt: €500
• Electricity debt: €310

Every donation, no matter how large or small, is invaluable.

Thank you in advance, from the bottom of our hearts!

How to help?

The post Let’s Help Piia and Her Three Children Save Their Home! appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Every child needs a place where they can simply be a child – safely, peacefully, and creatively.
A place where their worries can fade for a moment, and joy, play, and a sense of security can grow.

Naerata Ometi NGO, together with SA Perekodu, has launched a moving and meaningful collaboration project aimed at creating a smart-device-free and developmental activity room in one family house. In this room, children can experience peace, creativity, and a sense of safety.

This space is not just a furnished room – it is a place where inner changes are born, where children can express themselves through play, learn to communicate, and feel that they are cared for and seen.

Project Purpose and Goal

As a result of the project, a separate room in one family home (under SA Perekodu) will be furnished for shared use by the children. It will become:

• a place to calm down

• a place for creative activity

• a place for meaningful encounters between the child and an adult (caregiver or therapist)

The room is intended for daily use – a natural part of the growth environment that supports the child’s mental health.

Action Plan

SA Perekodu will accept monetary donations from kind-hearted people to carry out the plan for designing the room.

NB! All furniture, toys, and supplies, as well as renovation work, will be acquired with financial donations only. For this project, we kindly ask not to offer furniture, toys, or volunteer help.

Discussions have highlighted the wish to find interior design solutions that support children’s daily life, creativity, and development. The space will include items and elements that create a safe and cozy atmosphere and offer opportunities for play, rest, and self-expression. Examples include:

• Comfortable beanbags or armchairs for relaxation

• A soft carpet for playing and sitting

• Shelves and cabinets for toys and creative materials

• A child-height table and play corner

• Cozy lighting and functional furniture

In addition, various creative and therapeutic tools have been discussed, which would support children’s emotional development and help them express their feelings better. Options being considered include therapeutic toys and art supplies, which would also help practice social skills and support emotional balance.

Impact on Children

This project directly affects several children living in the family home, who will use the room daily to support:

• calming down and developing self-awareness

• creativity and playful self-expression

• stronger bonds with peers and supportive adults

This is an investment in a better tomorrow for every child.

How to Support?

To complete this room and support children daily, we need help from kind-hearted people. You are welcome to:

• Donate financially (see bank links below), which will allow SA Perekodu to purchase the items and perform the renovations mentioned above.

Every contribution helps create a space where a child feels safe and valued.
Thank you for standing with us beside these children.

The post Play, Peace and Joy – A Room That Supports the Child appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Valga Family Center Kurepesa is home to two foster families and 14 children – most of them teenage boys aged 13–18. While the house itself is new and safe, the outdoor area is outdated and in need of a refresh. That’s why, in collaboration with NGO Naerata Ometi and the new team at the family home, the idea was born: to create a homely and active outdoor space together with the youth – a place where they can play, be active, and simply enjoy time together. Currently, the only attraction outside is a playground that needs serious repairs.

The Vision

This isn’t just about a “fancy yard” – it’s a place for growth, where the children themselves get involved. Our goal is to build, craft, and design together based on the teens’ own ideas: fix up the basketball court, create seating areas, install simple fencing, maybe even build a cozy little firepit. Through this, they’ll learn teamwork, responsibility, and experience the joy of building something real.

Summary of Planned Improvements:

• Basketball court renewal: The current one is mossy, with worn-out backboards. The youth will help clean it up, contribute to design ideas for a new surface, and even assist during construction.

• Relaxation and firepit area: A simple, self-made seating spot for conversations and togetherness. We’ll help create it from old pallets or donated furniture.

• Playground repairs: We’ll restore what’s already there, fix the sandbox, and add a safe surface under the slide.

• Fencing solutions: To provide a sense of privacy – using natural, simple materials that can be installed and painted together.

We are grateful for support in any of these areas!

How to Help?

Financial support is not the only way to contribute. There are many ways to support the renovation of Kurepesa’s outdoor area:

🧱 Materials & Tools:

• If you have spare or affordable building materials (paving stones, wood, screws, gloves, fence panels, etc.), every donation is a big help.

🪑 Furniture & Equipment:

• Garden furniture or fire pits — gently used and in good condition can help create a cozy family corner.

• Sports equipment — balls, basketball hoops, or outdoor gym equipment to encourage activity.

• Outdoor games and toys — suitable for both younger children and teens.

📣 Spread the Word:

• Help find supporters — share the project with your friends, family, and community.

• Engage companies — if you work for or run a company that could support financially or with materials, we’d love to talk.

💶 Financial Contribution:

• Of course, monetary donations are warmly welcome and help us carry out the bigger parts of the plan faster and more effectively.

The post “Family House Yard Renewal” – Kurepesa Project appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Today, they have made significant progress: the house is fully paid for, the roof has been patched, new windows and doors are installed, and the walls are now properly insulated. They are gradually restoring the floors and outbuildings. The father is constructing a workshop in the former garage, and a small sauna has been built for washing. However, one critical issue remains – the house has no electricity.

Challenges with Connecting Electricity:

The previous owner had the electricity disconnected, and Elektrilevi removed the cables and switchboards. The young family initially hoped they could restore the previous setup, but the reality turned out to be much more complicated. Elektrilevi has provided a cost estimate of €13,000 to reconnect the electricity, a sum that is far beyond their financial means.

Unfortunately, the local government (KOV) does not offer any financial support for reconnecting electricity, as it is classified as a home improvement expense. Additionally, electricity connection is not eligible for support under the rural area development program.

The Family’s Current Situation:

At present, the family relies on power banks and a small solar panel, which only allows for minimal electricity use. To make matters worse, both parents have recently lost their jobs. The mother worked at a local gas station, but her seasonal job ended. The father is registered with the unemployment office, but transportation issues make it difficult for him to attend scheduled appointments on time.

How Can We Help Together?

Naerata Ometi MTÜ has decided to step in to help this determined young family get electricity in their home and find employment. Our primary goal is to raise €13,000 for the electricity connection. If we all contribute, even a small amount, we can quickly reach this target and provide this family with a fully functional home.

Join us in helping this young family get electricity and create a warm, well-equipped home. Every euro and every share counts!

The post Helping a Young Family Get Electricity in Their Home! appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Dear friends and kind-hearted people,

A courageous mother of five, Kadrin (name changed for privacy), has reached out to us during a very difficult time. Six months ago, her husband left the family, leaving her to care for the children alone. Despite the hardships, she has done everything she can to provide a safe and loving home for her children.

The past few months have been especially challenging. Three of the children started school, one entered kindergarten, and the youngest child is still at home with the mother as they have yet to secure a kindergarten spot. Buying school supplies and firewood has placed a heavy strain on the family’s budget. Additionally, their essential family car broke down, and the repairs were unavoidable and costly.

Right now, the family is in a critical situation. The refrigerator is empty, and the mother is worried about how to put food on the table for her children. We call upon you to extend a helping hand to Kadrin’s family. Every donation, big or small, will help ensure they have food and a warm home. Your support will bring a significant change in their lives.

Let’s come together to help this family through this tough period in their lives. Your compassion and kindness are invaluable.

For more information, please contact: Heiki Lutschan, Project Manager, +372 56255274, heiki@naerataometi.ee

The post Let’s Help a Single Mother and Her Children Make It Through Tough Times appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

We are delighted to share some wonderful news with you! Thanks to your help, Raimo underwent a successful cleft lip and palate surgery in Finland on August 1st. During the procedure, an alveolar bone graft was performed to close a 0.5 cm gap in the palate. Raimo is feeling well and is extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to his recovery. His sincere words of thanks: “I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I never believed that so many people would be willing to donate. I am incredibly thankful that we made it to Finland, where I received life-changing assistance.”

We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Finnish surgeon Jyri Huukki and Dr. Riina Einblau, as well as Raimo’s supporters Liina and Janno Rokk, whose support and dedication helped make this project a reality. Information about the previous project can be found HERE.

About Raimo

Raimo is a young man with a brave heart who grew up in a children’s home and now lives alone in a social apartment in Sindi. Throughout his life, he has faced the challenging condition of a cleft lip and palate, which has impacted his confidence and social life. Despite these challenges, Raimo has always maintained a positive outlook on life. He is friendly and helpful, volunteering at a dog shelter. Raimo’s greatest wish is to live a fulfilling life— to speak clearly, smile without worry, and feel confident in his daily life. Today, we stand by him to help him achieve this dream.

New Challenge – The Next Surgery

Now we turn our attention to the next surgery, planned for the end of this year or early next year. This surgery involves extensive maxillofacial and nasal reconstruction, which is crucial for improving Raimo’s facial structure, speech, self-esteem, and quality of life. The cost of the surgery is 34,000 euros.

How You Can Help

We ask for your help in supporting Raimo through this important next stage of his journey. Every donation, no matter the size, brings Raimo one step closer to a life where he can smile, speak clearly, and live much more confidently. Together, we can give this young man a chance for a happy and fulfilling future.

Thank you once again to everyone who has contributed to improving Raimo’s health and quality of life. Together, we can achieve more!

The post Raimo’s Journey Towards a Fulfilling Life: Let’s Support His Second Surgery! appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.