Generous Gift from SalDan

SAULT STE. MARIE, On – January 12, 2015 –TheOntario Finnish Resthome Association (OFRA) is thrilled to announce the generous donation of $11,000 from Sam Biasucci, president and owner of Sal Dan Development Limited. This gift will be used towards the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association’s new capital campaign, entitled Uusi Koti (translated to ‘new home’ from Finnish).

Present to accept the donation today was Todd Slotegraaf, Ontario Finnish Resthome Association Chair. “I cannot express how much the support of local businessmen, like Sam Biasucci means to myself and the OFRA. It is generous people like Sam that makes Sault Ste. Marie a great community,” said Slotegraaf.

The donation ceremony took place in the Kotitalo, one of OFRA’s three current buildings. Kotitalo is currently under renovations which are being constructed by the Sal Dan team. “The Ontario Finnish Resthome Association is a first-class service and care-provider for our elders,” says Biasucci. “We had the privilege of seeing this first hand during our presence on site. We were totally impressed with the professional, compassionate, caring and courteous service OFRA delivers to the current residents.” “We are happy to make this small contribution towards OFRA’s future improvements and will gladly commit to future contributions as we see the service they deliver a necessity for our seniors from all nationalities.”

Along with the Kotitalo renovations, OFRA is currently undertaking a number of initiatives for the growth and expansion of its services. The Uusi Koti campaign, officially titled Uusi Koti – A New Home: Independent Living for Seniors Campaign is OFRA’s most ambitious capital campaign to date. Currently, OFRA is home to over 300 residents in three buildings, but future growth is critical to meet the growing need for housing for seniors in the Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding communities. OFRA’s Board of Directors has responded to this need by taking the first step; the plan for growth by constructing a new seniors’ independent living apartment building. This new, five-story building will house 83 apartments, consisting of both one and two-bedroom units, with a concept mirroring theNorthern Ontario and Finnish landscapes, and a commitment towards LEED certification and ‘green’ living. The total estimated cost for this project is $16 million. To assist with these construction costs, OFRA launch of the Uusi Koti capital fundraising campaign has a goal of raising a minimum of $4 million, with current donations totaling roughly $500,000.

With no additional funding beyond its basic operating expenses, OFRA’s future plans require the support of donors and outside funding. There are many ways to give, including by mail, phone or in person, or online at www.uusikoticampaign.com.

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ABOUT OFRA and the UUSI KOTI CAMPAIGN

The Ontario Finnish Resthome Association (OFRA) is a non-profit charitable organization providing safe and affordable housing to all seniors in the Algoma District. With three current buildings; the Kotitalo, the Mauno Kaihla Koti and the Suomi Eesti Maja, OFRA provides all levels of seniors care and is known for their exceptional quality of services. Currently home to over 300 residents, OFRA is anticipating and meeting the ever-growing needs of the seniors in the Algoma communities by launching the Uusi Koti- A New Home: Campaign for Seniors Independent Living , with a commitment of raising $4 million towards the construction of a new seniors residence. For more information on OFRA and the Uusi Koti campaign, and how to become a donor please contact the Fundraising Office at 705-945-9987 or visit the website at www.ontariofinnishresthome.ca.

Prepared by Emily Tuomi

Secretary, Ontario Finnish Resthome Foundation