Charity Organizer Named Person of the Year
The Ministry of Culture has named Pieter Boerefijn, a Dutch citizen who runs the Estonian Food Bank charity, the person of the year.
"The activity and understated enthusiasm of Estonian Food Bank founder and developer Pieter Boerefijn, who has lived in Estonia for 17 years and learned the language, have been infectious for many companies and individuals, including volunteers," said Minister of Culture Laine Jänes.
Since 1995, Boerefijn has administered over 900 projects for providing support to nursing and retirement homes, rehabilitation and outpatient centers, facilities for disabled and deprived children and youth centers.
The latest and best-known project is Toidupank (Food Bank), which brings donated food items to needy families.