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More than half a million products have been sold in support of the Reservists Fund, to which almost 3000 Coop Pank clients are making donations as part of the bank’s.

‘Kaardivägi’ programme: one cent from every card payment goes to the fund, and the bank then adds a cent of its own.

Margus Rink, the chairman of the Management Board of Coop Pank, says that close to 3000 clients who value national defence and security have already joined the programme, with around 40 more joining every week.

“A sense of security is one of the most fundamental values for the normal functioning of society,” he noted. “When people have that, they dream of a better life – they strive for a better future, hone and add to their skills and knowledge, raise children and do things for the good of themselves and others. It’s the same with business: in a secure environment, new investment plans are made, new jobs are created and new products are developed. Through the Reservists Fund, every Estonian can contribute to increasing our collective sense of security.”

In addition to card payments, contributions to the Reservists Fund and Estonia’s defence can be made by buying products including milk, ice cream and vitamins. Part of the profits from the sale of these items is donated to the fund. Moreover, in excess of 200 companies made special offers to members of the Defence Forces as part of Reservists Week, which was held for the first time this spring to publicly recognise the contribution Estonia’s soldiers make.

“The popularity of the products reflects how willing the people of Estonia are to defend their country and to support those on the front line of doing so,” said Martin Reisner, the director of the Defence Resolve Department at the Ministry of Defence. “Thanks to these companies, ordinary people can contribute simply by enjoying an ice cream or paying with a Defence Forces bankcard.”

The Reservists Fund supports the participation of Estonian reserve soldiers in long-term training and the acquisition of special equipment for them, fosters a sense of cohesion among them and recognises the best reservists and reserve units.

The actual distribution of the donations is decided according to the needs of the Defence Forces and Defence League and the resources donated. The fund is managed by the National Defence Promotion Foundation. Donations are welcomed from both individuals and businesses, and cooperation agreements have been entered into with a number of companies that are donating a portion of their proceeds to the fund.

Tax-free donations can also be made to the fund directly:

Beneficiary: Riigikaitse Edendamise Sihtasutus

EE704204278634045502

Registry code: 90008494