GALLERY: Grand Parade unites dozens at Finnish Resthome

The Ontario Finnish Resthome Association (OFRA) and Foundation joined forces on Saturday for this year’s Canada-wide Grand Parade.

The family-friendly fundraiser walk helps support charities like OFRA who serve seniors and their families across the country.

All funds raised from the event will go towards the new Mauno Kaihla Koti (MKK) long-term care redevelopment fund.

Paul Belair, the CEO of OFRA, as well as MPP Ross Romano, recently voiced their disappointments over figures provided by contractors showing the cost of the long-term care home to be three times pricier than hoped for.

As SooToday’s Darren Taylor reported earlier this week, an original, pre-pandemic $30-million estimate for the project, which jumped to $50 million due to supply chain issues, labour shortages, and fluctuating material costs, has now increased to approximately $100 million for the 128-bed facility.

But at the Grand Parade this morning, Belair reassured attendees that the project will eventually get done. 

“I want to reiterate to everyone here that our commitment remains strong to build that building,” he said. “We can’t do it under current circumstances, but when the time comes and the situation is better, we’re going to get on with it.”

“Our commitment remains strong; this project is still going to happen. Unfortunately, just not today.”

As of Saturday afternoon, OFRA has raised more than $55,000. Their goal is to eclipse the $75,000 mark. Donations can be made by clicking here.

Of the Grand Parade's 29 participating communities across the country, the Sault is in the top two for fundraising efforts for the second year in a row.