THUNDER BAY - Fashions for all the seasons were on display for all the right reasons during a special fashion show fundraiser that has been held in Thunder Bay for more than 50 years.
The Ladies of Kaleva hosted the Dress for all Reasons Fashion Show at the Prince Arthur Hotel on Sunday in support of its scholarship and bursary program.
Barbara Wainikka, matron with the Ladies of Kaleva, said the fashion show has been held every few years since 1963.
The Knights and Ladies of Kaleva was created in the United States by Finnish immigrants almost 200 years ago with the goal of celebrating and preserving Finnish heritage and culture.
But it also gives back to the community as often as it can and Wainikka said the Ladies of Kaleva have supported the St. Joseph’s Care Home, the Lutheran Community Care Centre, the Canadian Red Cross, and local Finnish organizations.
The Dress for all Reasons Fashion Show is expected to raise between $1000 and $2000 for the scholarship and bursary program. Every year, two to three scholarships are issued to post-secondary students attending an accredited university of college by the Ladies of Kaleva.
Wainikka said that it can be difficult raising funds for the scholarships and bursaries, but the fashion show has always been popular and draws a large audience.
“It is a major fundraiser,” Wainikka said. “It is very difficult to raise funds, especially in a community the size of Thunder Bay. We find that this brings a lot of interest and a lot of new people attend each year. It’s enjoyable. It’s truly enjoyable.”
The fashion show included women’s and children’s fashions from local businesses and provided some looks for all the seasons of the year.
“There is going to be major fashions from the Little Mermaid, J.B. Evans, The Silhouette, The Loop, even the children are included with Kitty Cucumber,” Wainikka said. “There’s a bit of everything for everyone.”
More than 80 people attended this year’s show and Wainikka said its success relies on the generosity of the public and the business who participate.
“We are very thankful to the Thunder Bay community for supporting us,” she said. “We have been active here for the last 60 years in various forms and we appreciate the business and residents who support us.”
