Kaihla returns home for fundraiser

The son of a late leader of the city’s Finnish community will emcee a fundraiser for a new building on the land his father helped develop for seniors.

Paul Kaihla is the son of the late Mauno Kaihla.

The senior Kaihla was chairman of Ontario Finnish Resthome Association and board adviser for 23 years.

Kaihla oversaw construction of an apartment building, assisted living centre and nursing home OFRA erected between 1976 and 1991 on 27 acres on North Street.

The nursing home, Mauno Kaihla Koti, is named in Kaihla’s honour.

Kaihla was awarded Sault Ste. Marie’s Medal of Merit in 1977.

Paul Kaihla has written for Maclean’s, Time and Canadian Business. He’s the co-author of Savage Messiah.

The Sir James Dunn collegiate graduate is now a senior writer with Business 2.0. His beats include the economy, national security and military and intelligence technologies.

OFRA wants to raise $4 million in the next two years towards the apartment building’s $16-million cost. The building, available to residents aged 60 and up, will include 52 one-bedroom units, 29 two-bedroom apartments and possibly 17 life-leases on the top floor.

Kaihla will emcee A Brush with Art, a fundraiser slated for April 20 at Algoma’s Water Tower Inn.

The evening includes a live auction, artist emporium and gourmet meal.

Tickets to the black tie event cost $100 and include a $25 tax receipt. Call 705-945-9987, ext. 257 to purchase.