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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Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record PICTON, September 24, 2025 – The sweet smell of success filled the air at the Picton Fair as the 16th annual Bake Off Challenge raised a record-breaking $18,700 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF). With more than 50 entries and enthusiastic bidding, the community once again proved that a passion for baking can translate into life-changing support for local health care. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a digital mammography machine, a critical tool for early breast cancer detection. Since 2007, the Prince Edward Agricultural Society, who host the Bake Off has raised over $64,500 for the hospital. This year’s event included a special one-time memorial apple pie category in honour of the late Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young, who was the inaugural Bake Off winner in 2007 with his unforgettable apple pie. A total of 26 apple pies were entered in his honour, raising an incredible $8,250 on their own. Jim’s parents, Colleen and Murray, and daughters, Dahnon and Kendyl, were present to celebrate his legacy. Entries were judged by Ken Menlove, a local lawyer; Jordan Smart with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary Unit; Mike Roy, a community member; and Chris Malette, MP for Bay of Quinte. The auction produced plenty of highlights. Firefighter Autumn Benlap’s Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake topped the apple pie category and sold to Dr. Sarah Waterston, and Elizabeth Lodge’s Lemon Cream Pie, named best overall pie, sold to Herman Prinzen. “The Bake Off is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community spirit and generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of a new digital mammography machine for the new County hospital, and we are so grateful to every baker, bidder, and volunteer who made that possible.” “The Bake Off has become a highlight of the Picton Fair, and it’s inspiring to see how much it has grown,” said Susan Harrington, president of the Picton Fair Board. “The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze us. Thank you to everyone who baked, bid, or volunteered to make this year such a success.” The Agricultural Society also expressed its gratitude to the many individuals and local businesses who made the event possible. “There’s something truly special about seeing friends, neighbours, and businesses come together over pies and cakes to support health care,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “This event proves that even the simplest of traditions can make a lasting impact on our community.” The Foundation is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Agricultural Society and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to next year’s Picton Fair. 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.