Gerry Lougheed Jr., the man who has led several major fundraising campaigns in Greater Sudbury, has received a major honour for his work in support of the recent expansion at Finlandia Village.
On Nov. 14, Finnish Ambassador Charles Murto awarded Lougheed Jr. the Order of the Lion of Finland at the first annual President’s Dinner at Finlandia Village in the new Voima Hall.
Lougheed led the successful $3-million Lepokoti fundraising campaign in support of the construction of 82 affordable assisted living residence and wellness centre at Finlandia Village. In addition to the housing units, Lepokoti also includes a new Wellness Centre and large-capacity community meeting space, as well as the Voima Hall.
Finlandia is located on 41 acres of land in a park-like setting overlooking the north shore of Ramsey Lake. The most recent expansion is the sixth in Finlandia’s 30-year history and opened on time and on budget a year ago. It offers independent apartment living for seniors for less than $600 per month.
The units offer a home to seniors who are still largely able to live on their own, but need help making meals or washing clothes, for example, or who require access to medical tests and other forms of care. The facility has a doctor on site, so residents won’t have to go far for appointments.