A Gift That Lives On

bboyce • September 26, 2024

A gift that lives on

PICTON, September 26, 2024 - For John and Geri Della Bosca, the incredible care they received at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) became an integral part of their legacy.

Both John and Geri had occasions to use the hospital and felt the team at PECMH consistently went above and beyond to make them feel comfortable. They were treated with kindness, compassion, and dignity during every visit. Because of this, they gave back to the hospital throughout their lives to honour loved ones and support the outstanding Care Champions working there.

After John died in 2013, and Geri battled cancer numerous times before she died in 2021, she decided to take their connection to the hospital one step further by including the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation in her Will.

John and Geri travelled the world and spent years on their sailboat, Swift Sure. While attending a sailors’ reunion in Prince Edward County (PEC), they fell in love with this community. Soon after, they moved from Sudbury to The County, and their dream of farming became a reality. They were embraced by the warmth and support of the community, which immediately made them feel welcomed and part of somewhere special.

“John and Geri believed the hospital is the heart of any community. This is why they chose to support PECMHF as part of their estate plan,” said longtime friend Mike Roy. “PECMHF serves the entire Prince Edward County community without the support of government funding for capital equipment. John and Geri realized that donating to our local hospital would be integral to supporting the patient care for which they were so grateful. They would be thrilled to know their contributions are equipping our new hospital.”

John and Geri’s forethought and significant contribution through their estate is helping to equip Prince Edward County’s new hospital with a CT Scanner. The couple always believed that giving back however you can is essential when you are part of a community that offers so much care.

Approximately $2.8M has been raised for the CT Scanner, which is being made possible by contributions from Norm Ritchie and Monique Postlewaite, the PECMH Auxiliary, Wynne Thomas, the Estate of Geraldine Della Bosca and donations received from the Bid for the Build Art Auction held on June 1, among others.

“Investing in our new hospital, especially through a legacy gift, allowed John and Geri to live on through their story of kindness and generosity. Their gift ensures our new hospital will be able to continue to serve the community in the future,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “The foundation appreciates the opportunity to recognize Geri and John for their lifetime of caring and impact through this story and on the foundation’s donor wall in the hospital’s lobby.”

The foundation is also honoured to celebrate John and Geri’s support with Geri’s siblings, Dorothy Buda and Danny Buda.

“Their quiet and kind generosity permeated throughout their lives. They always had a deep sense of community and believed strongly in doing the right thing,” said Dorothy. “We know John and Geri’s spirit of generosity and gratitude will live on in the many lives they will touch with the addition of this lifesaving equipment to The County’s new hospital.”

We can all help our hospital stay updated with the most modern equipment and technology through Legacy Giving – or “planned giving.” Legacy Giving is an excellent way for anyone, even those of limited means, to make a significant donation to the hospital. This can be done in many ways, including through your Will or a life insurance policy. It is a meaningful way to ensure a bright future for our community hospital.

When making or updating your Will, you might be surprised that once you’ve taken care of your family, there is still room to support your favourite charities. No matter the size, a gift in your Will to PECMHF is a lasting testament to the value you place on health care for our entire community.

“We’re so for John and Geri’s support and that of everyone who considers us in their estate planning,” said Coull. “By making a legacy gift of any size to the foundation, you are investing in better outcomes for our patients for generations to come.”

The legacy that John and Geri left for the new PECM Hospital will contribute to improved access to health care in PEC, the community they loved so much, for years to come.

For more information about making a gift in your Will, visit https://www.pecmhf.ca/planned-giving.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital.

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Below - Pictured at PECMH on September 20 from left: Mike Roy, a friend of John and Geri’s; Dorothy Buda and Danny Buda, siblings to Geri; and Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation.

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The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1. Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.