blog – Naerata Ometi MTÜ

Helping Others Is the Best Christmas Gift a Company Can Give – Follow Wallester’s Example and Make Life Better Step by Step

Steven Eomois — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:59:56 +0000

The end of the year is a time when companies look back on their achievements, celebrate their business results, and increasingly reflect on how to share their success with others. Charitable giving is an essential part of every company’s culture — those who hold helping people and animals in need as a core value stand out for their social responsibility.

One truly inspiring example in Estonia is Wallester, Europe’s leading card issuance platform, offering an all-in-one solution for digital payments and card management. Its CEO and co-founder, Sergei Astafjev, is also the main sponsor of Naerata Ometi MTÜ. According to him, helping should be a natural part of how a company thinks and operates every day — and it should never be postponed.

“When a company is doing well, it should give back immediately, not later. It’s part of the responsibility that comes with success,” he says.

Wallester’s Cooperation with Naerata Ometi

Sergei discovered Naerata Ometi about seven years ago while browsing online and noticing someone in need of help. He didn’t stay a bystander — he simply asked, “How can I help?” From that moment on, he has supported the organization every year — first as a private individual and now through his company as well.

“If someone needs a new bathroom, a vehicle to get to work, or a child needs medical treatment, every project deserves our contribution. They’re all equally important and touch us in the same way,” he says.

“If I had to highlight something, it would be helping children — as a parent, it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

Wallester’s story is a great example of how success and values can grow together. What began as a team of four has now become a thriving company with over 180 employees. Their profitable business has given them the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to helping others in difficult situations — not only financially, but also with their time and presence.

According to Sergei Astafjev, no one should ever be afraid to do good:

“If you feel the desire to help, then help. Even the smallest contribution can make someone’s life better.”

Bring Christmas Joy to Those Who Need It Most

We invite Estonian companies to take this important step and join our circle of donators.

Every year, Naerata Ometi MTÜ organizes the “Christmas Smile” campaign to bring hope and joy to children who must spend the holidays in hospitals, as well as to those living in foster and large families. Your company’s support can truly change lives — bringing smiles to children’s faces.

On our website, you can also find several ongoing projects where people in need are waiting for your help. Together, we can provide support to those who need it most — whether it’s children, families, or fellow Estonians facing difficult circumstances whose lives can be greatly improved with just a little help.

Every contribution — whether it’s a financial donation, practical assistance, or a collaborative project — is invaluable to those who need it most.

Make your company’s Christmas donation today!

The post Helping Others Is the Best Christmas Gift a Company Can Give – Follow Wallester’s Example and Make Life Better Step by Step appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

We Have Started Rebuilding a Home Damaged by Fire in Viljandi County

Steven Eomois — Wed, 14 May 2025 11:55:12 +0000

Dear friends!

In April, our NGO received news of a tragic fire in Tusti village, Viljandi County. The blaze destroyed part of an old apartment building and left a single mother, Helena, and her daughter homeless. The fire started from a burning cigarette in an apartment three doors away. Fortunately, rescue workers arrived on time and managed to save part of the building. However, during the extinguishing efforts, Helena’s and her daughter’s home was severely damaged and now requires complete renovation.

As a single mother, Helena was unable to purchase a new home or cover the renovation costs. This is why a kind and compassionate person reached out to us, asking for help on behalf of Helena’s family. We didn’t hesitate for a moment—we knew we could help those in need. And thanks to you, dear friends, a ray of hope began to shine again!

Kindness That Transforms Lives

Today, we’ve reached a significant milestone. With your donations and the support of many warm-hearted companies, we’ve been able to begin interior renovations in Helena’s home. We’ve already acquired:

Durable floor tiles
Parquet and laminate flooring to make the home warm and cozy
Underlayment materials

In addition, we’ve started construction preparations:

The old roof and rafters have been dismantled
Flooring materials are ready for installation
High-quality building film has been applied to the roof

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Major Supporters

💛 Everaus Kinnisvara

We sincerely thank and recognize the Everaus Kinnisvara team, who have supported our efforts with various construction materials for several years.

This time, they chose to help in a different way—by donating two monitors and two computers.

Both computer sets immediately found new owners: one went to a child in an orphanage, and the other to the daughter affected by the Tusti apartment fire. Now, they can also do schoolwork and play worry-free.

A huge thank you to the Everaus team! You are a great help to us and a role model for many others.

💛 Yolo Group and Lincona Showroom

Thank you for supporting the home restoration both with materials and financially. Your contribution keeps pushing our project forward!

💛 IV Pluss AS

You generously provided us with a van, which has helped us deliver materials quickly and efficiently to those in need. Even more, you take care of it yourselves. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to help more people this year than ever before!

Thank You for Being With Us – Together, We Create New Beginnings!

The restoration of Helena’s and her daughter’s home is a beautiful example of how we can unite our strength to brighten the lives of those in distress. Every donation, every heartfelt act of kindness brings Helena and her daughter closer to a new, warm home.

💛Every contribution counts. Every good deed makes the world a better place.

P.S. We’re Looking for a Truck!

We still have one major task ahead—removing the burnt materials. If any of you could help with a large truck, we would be deeply grateful. Please reach out to us—together we’ll find a solution.

Naerata Ometi MTÜ is a charitable organization that, since 2009, has been providing support to children and families living in Estonia who are facing hardships. Our mission is to offer vital assistance to children with special needs, families experiencing financial difficulties, and individuals requiring medical support, helping those who lack other support networks. In addition to financial and material aid, we also provide advice and guidance, and raise public awareness about the needs of children with special needs and families in need.

The post We Have Started Rebuilding a Home Damaged by Fire in Viljandi County appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

In Memory of a Brave Little Boy and in Support of His Mother

Steven Eomois — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:04:15 +0000

💖 Recently, we received the story of a courageous young boy who spent half of his life fighting neuroblastoma – a rare cancer of nerve cells. Sadly, he recently lost that difficult battle, but his love and kindness live on, inspiring all of us to be better people. He is now watching over us, reminding us that every good deed matters. 💫

His mother, who has shown incredible strength and inspiration, has endured unimaginable pain. We wanted to offer her a bit of comfort and hope during this difficult time. Our heartfelt wish was to give her a small Christmas gift that would help her find peace and balance again.

The teams at MyFitness and Ekursus immediately joined our cause with warm hearts and generous actions. Thanks to their support, we were able to gift:

A 1-year gym membership including a training towel and a sports bag
2 online courses from Ekursus to help her re-enter the job market and gain new knowledge
And from our side, we added a SPA gift card to offer her a moment of relaxation

We extend our special thanks to Sille Tammiste, who brought this touching story to us and helped make these kind intentions a reality.

The Naerata Ometi NGO team wishes everyone a peaceful and bright holiday season, and we sincerely thank all those who have trusted and supported our mission. Together, we can do so much more! 💖

The post In Memory of a Brave Little Boy and in Support of His Mother appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Eight Years of Struggle – A Girl from Saaremaa Finally Gained the Freedom to Move

Steven Eomois — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:54:53 +0000

When the goal is big and the heart is strong, not even bureaucracy can stop you.

In 2017, a determined mother from Saaremaa began the toughest battle of her life – with one goal in mind: to ensure that her daughter, who uses a wheelchair, could move freely in and out of their home. What may seem like a basic human right turned into an eight-year-long battle against bureaucracy, indifference, and opposition.

Due to the girl’s condition, it was clear that no interior solution was possible – an impartial assessment ordered by the local social services department confirmed that the building’s structure made it unfeasible. The only option was to build an external wheelchair lift.

But more than just a construction project lay ahead…

The mother submitted a request to the apartment association, hoping for the residents’ approval. The responses she received were:

🚫 “The lift would look ugly.”
🚫 “Why is it even needed?”
🚫 “Do it somewhere else.”

Some neighbors actively resisted the project, constantly changing their arguments, even trying to claim that the girl didn’t actually need a lift despite being in a wheelchair. Some even contacted our NGO in an attempt to stop the project. In the early stages, the local social workers also opposed the initiative.

Justice Wasn’t Given – It Had to Be Fought For

Thanks to the family’s persistence and public support, the story reached the media and went to court – and the family won. But the challenges didn’t end there. The initial technical conditions set by the electricity provider were financially out of reach for the family. Years passed, and the cost continued to rise – from an initial estimate of €30,000, it ultimately took €55,000 to complete the lift.

The Role of Naerata Ometi and Our Supporters

Naerata Ometi NGO supported this family three times and stood firmly by the mother and daughter, despite the initial lack of support and significant resistance.

Thankfully, we weren’t alone. Help also came from:

🤝 Lions Club
🤝 Wallester AS and Sergei Astafjev
🤝 Sõbralt Sõbrale
🤝 The local municipality, which in the end contributed the largest share of the funding

Together, we made it happen – the lift was completed, and today it serves exactly the purpose for which the fight began: to provide the opportunity to live a fuller, more independent life.

A Story of Faith, Resilience, and Human Dignity

Today, this lift is more than just a structure of metal and machinery. It is a symbol of triumph over injustice. It is a dream fulfilled. It is a young person who can now move, experience, and live more freely.

💛 A heartfelt thank you to all supporters!
Every donation, every word, every good deed helped. This is a shared victory.
Thank you for believing!

The post Eight Years of Struggle – A Girl from Saaremaa Finally Gained the Freedom to Move appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

We Helped Three Little Cats – With the Support of Husse Estonia!

Steven Eomois — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:45:22 +0000

Over the past year, our dear colleague Heiki has taken in three severely injured stray cats – Runzu, Pätu, and Murka. Thanks to his compassion and dedication, all three kitties have received the surgeries they needed and are now recovering surrounded by love and safety.

With deep gratitude, we’re excited to share some happy news: Husse Estonia has joined the Naerata Ometi family of supporters!
Thanks to them, Heiki’s furry friends received high-quality food that gives them strength to play, heal, and wait for their forever homes.

🎁 And good news for you too – Husse Estonia is giving all our friends a 20% discount!
Use the code naerataometi when ordering – valid until May 31, 2025:

🛒 In the Husse online store: www.husse.ee
🏪 At the Husse store: Pärnu mnt 186, Tallinn (Mon–Fri 10–18, Sat 10–14)

How to use the discount?

✔️ Enter the code naerataometi when ordering online
✔️ Or mention the keyword naerataometi in the physical store
✔️ Get 20% off the entire product range

We are deeply grateful to the Husse Estonia team for helping feed these three little furballs! 💛🐾
We also invite you to support these amazing cats on their journey toward health and love.

The post We Helped Three Little Cats – With the Support of Husse Estonia! appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Tears of joy and gratitude – thank you for believing in me.

Steven Eomois — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:32:17 +0000

Dear MTÜ Naerata Ometi,

I don’t even know how to begin this letter. My heart is filled with a whirlwind of emotions, but above all, I feel immense gratitude. Putting this feeling into words in a way that truly conveys its depth seems almost impossible.

My deepest respect and sincerest thanks! You didn’t just change my life—you changed the life of my 8-year-old son. All these years, I cried myself to sleep, unable to ease my pain, but now, that chapter is over. It’s truly over, and I still can’t quite believe it.

What does it feel like to live a full and meaningful life without the constant, unbearable anguish in my heart? I don’t remember anymore. That suffocating anxiety had become such a big part of my life that it felt normal. But thanks to you, that no longer has to be my reality. Words cannot express my gratitude!

My son is coming home. He is truly coming home.

This was made possible by Jaanika Reilik-Bakhoff. I believe that even Jaanika herself may not fully grasp what she has accomplished. This wasn’t just a family law case—it was the chance for my son to finally return home and grow up with his brother and his mother.

I have encountered many lawyers and legal professionals throughout this case, but truly—such professionalism, kindness, and sincerity as Jaanika’s is rare to find in the legal field. She made the impossible possible.

A Five-Year Battle

For nearly five years, we weren’t just fighting in court for the sake of it. The favoritism and nepotism that determined my son’s fate still feel utterly surreal to me.

If someone had told me years ago that my child could be taken away from me without warning, without any prior meetings or explanations, I would never have believed it. It’s simply too brutal. Yet, living in a small town where everyone knows each other, I now know from my own experience that it is possible.

This was never about justice; it was about who had more influential connections to sway child protection services—and, in turn, the court system itself.

To this day, I am haunted by the thought: How was it possible to take a child away from his mother without a single warning and place him with a person who had cruelly abused her own five children? This wasn’t some hidden secret—it was well known.

She was under criminal investigation because my sisters had been hospitalized due to severe beatings and starvation. I was the last of the children who had once pleaded with child protection, through tears, to get me out of that home.

And yet, my son was handed over to the same woman. My son, too, developed serious behavioral problems there. How could these facts be ignored in a country that claims to uphold justice?

It’s Finally Over

This entire system was built in such a way that, legally, my sister was my son’s guardian, but in reality, it was my mother who raised him. My sister, however, received all financial benefits. This wasn’t a secret—it was known to child protection services and the courts.

How could this happen? And how could it continue for years?

These questions will always weigh on me.

But today, it is finally over. I am trying my best to move forward and think about it as little as possible. I am trying to find some peace in my heart and even some gratitude toward my mother—because, despite everything, she was there for my son when I couldn’t be.

She is now nearly at retirement age, and I know it wasn’t easy for her either. Our views on parenting differ greatly, but it is time to let go of the negativity. I am choosing gratitude, and from now on, I will do everything I can to make up for the years my son spent without his mother.

Justice Has Prevailed!

Of course, I cannot put all officials and child protection workers in the same category.

Over the years, multiple child protection officers were involved in this case. The first one was my mother’s close friend. Even though she was eventually removed from the case, she remained the head of the entire child protection department, allowing everything to continue as it had.

The final child protection worker, assigned after my mother’s friend left, did her job with a genuine heart. She truly understood what had happened and refused to go along with the lies. She genuinely cared about my son’s well-being.

With recent scandals surrounding child protection agencies, it is becoming increasingly evident just how much personal connections influence decisions in such cases.

It deeply saddens me that such things are possible in our small country. And I don’t even dare to think about how many other women and men have been in the same situation as I was.

MTÜ Naerata Ometi and Jaanika, thank you!

Before reaching out to you, I had already been fighting in court for years. I had been struggling endlessly, paying enormous legal fees—all with no results.

I still remember the moment when, with Jaanika’s help, we won our first case in the lower court. I broke down in tears, collapsing at home from the sheer relief and joy.

When the decision was appealed, I completely fell apart mentally.

I wanted to give up. I ignored your calls, I avoided Jaanika—I simply couldn’t talk to anyone anymore.

But you believed in me. You threw me a lifeline and helped me find Jaanika. You also made sure that the financial side of the legal battle was covered. And that was not a small amount of money.

And now, the day has finally come—the Supreme Court has ruled that I am fully fit to have sole custody of my child.

I have dreamed of this moment for so many years, and I still cannot believe that it’s real.

I will never have to say goodbye to my son again. He and his brother will grow up together and experience a true childhood. I will never again have to hear his heartbreaking cries or feel him clinging to me, begging me not to leave.

You made the impossible happen.

Thank you! We cherish this opportunity deeply, and we will never take it for granted. You have reunited a family!

Even as I write this letter, the tears are flowing… but for the first time, they are tears of joy. ❤️

Wishing you all the best in the future and may you continue to bring hope to those who need it most!

At the beginning of 2024, our organization (MTÜ Naerata Ometi) started a support project for a young woman caught in a complex and prolonged legal battle to regain custody of her child. We launched an assistance program, which you can read about [HERE], and we are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us at that time.

Special thanks to Jaanika Reilik-Bakhoff and Pallo & Partnerid Law Office, who led this challenging case to a victorious and just conclusion.

This is a case where justice has truly prevailed—not just on paper, but in the hearts of those involved. This was not merely a legal win but the restoration of a mother and child’s life, a triumph of hope and love. 💛

The post Tears of joy and gratitude – thank you for believing in me. appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Tears of joy and gratitude – thank you for believing in me.

admin — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:08:38 +0000

Dear MTÜ Naerata Ometi,

My son is coming home. He is truly coming home.

A Five-Year Battle

For nearly five years, we weren’t just fighting in court for the sake of it. The favoritism and nepotism that determined my son’s fate still feel utterly surreal to me.

This was never about justice; it was about who had more influential connections to sway child protection services—and, in turn, the court system itself.

And yet, my son was handed over to the same woman. My son, too, developed serious behavioral problems there. How could these facts be ignored in a country that claims to uphold justice?

It’s Finally Over

How could this happen? And how could it continue for years?

These questions will always weigh on me.

Justice Has Prevailed!

Of course, I cannot put all officials and child protection workers in the same category.

With recent scandals surrounding child protection agencies, it is becoming increasingly evident just how much personal connections influence decisions in such cases.

It deeply saddens me that such things are possible in our small country. And I don’t even dare to think about how many other women and men have been in the same situation as I was.

MTÜ Naerata Ometi and Jaanika, thank you!

Before reaching out to you, I had already been fighting in court for years. I had been struggling endlessly, paying enormous legal fees—all with no results.

I still remember the moment when, with Jaanika’s help, we won our first case in the lower court. I broke down in tears, collapsing at home from the sheer relief and joy.

When the decision was appealed, I completely fell apart mentally.

I wanted to give up. I ignored your calls, I avoided Jaanika—I simply couldn’t talk to anyone anymore.

And now, the day has finally come—the Supreme Court has ruled that I am fully fit to have sole custody of my child.

I have dreamed of this moment for so many years, and I still cannot believe that it’s real.

You made the impossible happen.

Thank you! We cherish this opportunity deeply, and we will never take it for granted. You have reunited a family!

Even as I write this letter, the tears are flowing… but for the first time, they are tears of joy. ❤️

Wishing you all the best in the future and may you continue to bring hope to those who need it most!

Special thanks to Jaanika Reilik-Bakhoff and Pallo & Partnerid Law Office, who led this challenging case to a victorious and just conclusion.

The post Tears of joy and gratitude – thank you for believing in me. appeared first on Naerata Ometi MTÜ.

Support Naerata Ometi MTÜ with Your Company and Change Lives for the Better

Steven Eomois — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:38:28 +0000

The goal of MTÜ Naerata Ometi is to support families, children, and individuals who are facing life’s hardships that they cannot overcome alone.
Since 2009, our organization has fulfilled this important role by offering support to those who have fallen through the cracks and need help during difficult times.

By working with us, your company has the opportunity to make a priceless positive impact on the lives of fellow citizens in need.
Thanks to your support, people exhausted by their struggles can once again see a ray of hope and believe that the future can be bright. At the same time, you stand out as a truly exemplary and empathetic company, one that notices those in need and acts quickly to help.

Your support is extremely important

MTÜ Naerata Ometi supports people from a wide variety of backgrounds: children with special needs, families in financial hardship, and those who require medical procedures or legal assistance. For many, our organization is their only chance to receive essential medical care, school supplies, or even basic items needed for daily life, such as firewood. By supporting our initiatives, your company can significantly improve the quality of life for those in need. Every project we implement and every family we support stands as a testament to the social responsibility and compassion of the partners who support us.

Charity is the best branding

By supporting MTÜ Naerata Ometi, your brand becomes a symbol of hope, showing that businesses can have big hearts and be a tremendous help to our society. Partnering with us demonstrates your commitment to community support, which greatly enhances your brand’s reputation in the eyes of customers, employees, and the general public. In return, we can highlight your company in our projects and on our social media channels.

Ways to support MTÜ Naerata Ometi

There are several ways for companies to participate in our projects throughout the year:

Corporate donations: Financial contributions allow us to provide much-needed support to all kinds of people in need. We can purchase essential goods, building materials, fund medical procedures, and more. We will give your company the recognition it deserves and increase your brand visibility.
Employee involvement: Encourage your employees to take part in our campaigns, organize charity events, or volunteer to deliver essential items to different regions in Estonia. A shared effort for such a meaningful cause strengthens team spirit within your organization.
Organize fundraising events: Bake sales, raffles, or other charity events help raise money and increase awareness of our projects. It’s also a great way to build a sense of unity in the workplace, as everyone works toward a shared and meaningful goal.
Raise awareness about our projects: Use your company’s social media and internal communication channels to share our mission and encourage others in the community to support us as well.

Companies can make the biggest difference

While every individual contribution is invaluable to our projects, companies often have greater resources and influence, allowing them to support those in need on a broader and more systematic scale. Businesses can provide larger financial aid as well as essential goods that families and children with special needs require, whether it’s school supplies, clothing, or specialized equipment. Your company has access to greater resources and expertise, which helps us provide far more effective support to those who rely critically on our help—for instance, in renovating homes in poor condition to ensure warmth during the winter.

Support is welcome all year round

While the holiday season is a special time when many focus on giving, we carry out projects throughout the year. By supporting MTÜ Naerata Ometi year-round, you contribute to creating long-term change and provide life-saving assistance to families and individuals who need it most.

Thank you for considering the opportunity to collaborate with MTÜ Naerata Ometi.
We look forward to the chance to join forces with you and help as many people as possible, together.

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