A Pillar in our Community

bboyce • June 2, 2023

A Pillar in our Community

By Briar Boyce

Wynne Thomas made a decision during his lifetime that will change others’ lives in the future.

An avid flier, collector, bird enthusiast, and knowledgeable on almost any topic, Wynne was seen by many as a pillar in the community.

Recently, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF), and three other not-for-profit organizations in The County were the beneficiaries of a gift from Wynne Thomas’s estate.

The four charities received close to $2M collectively. PECMHF received a transformational $913,063.50, which will Back the Build and be used towards purchasing a Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanner for our new hospital.

A legacy gift is often a quiet, altruistic act that speaks volumes. Wynne’s incredible act of benevolence was no different as his intention to leave a gift in his will was unknown to us during his lifetime, but the impact of his gift is so powerful.

The provision in Wynne’s will was to invest in priority medical equipment needed at the hospital. The decision to designate his bequest to offset the purchase of the CT Scanner, which is estimated to cost $2.3 million, will live on in the heart of our new hospital…a facility Wynne believed in so deeply. His support of our hospital foundation and local healthcare was just one of the ways he showed his love of Prince Edward County through his selflessness and generosity.

Wynne’s forethought in ensuring access to leading edge equipment in the new hospital is critical to our growing community. Perhaps this public recognition of his contribution will inspire others to get involved and support the community and our hospital however they can.

One of the greatest measures of a life is the world we leave for others. Wynne’s generosity in helping PECMHF bring this lifesaving diagnostic imaging equipment into our new hospital, which will be a new, additional service offered, will transform, and save lives.

What a legacy!

Few decisions are as personal and significant as leaving a legacy gift (or bequest).

Donors who love the hospital may give small, medium, or large amounts over the years, but a bequest is the ultimate, final gift someone can leave for their legacy.

A bequest is referred to, in philanthropic circles, as planned giving or leaving a legacy. The donor identifies a charity or cause as a beneficiary of their estate or portion of their estate upon death.

When making or updating your will, most people are surprised that once they’ve taken care of family, there is still room to support their favourite charities. No matter the size, a gift in your will to the PECMH Foundation is a lasting testament to the value you place on health care for everyone in our community.

A gift through your will to the hospital foundation ensures health care here is sustainable and accessible to future generations in Prince Edward County.

There are many forms of planned/legacy giving to explore including a gift through a charitable bequest, life insurance policy, RRSP, RRIF, a donation of publicly traded securities, and more. We hope you will feel inspired to reach out to us to learn more about these giving options if they are of interest to you.

You can find some resources and information on how you can leave a legacy gift on our website – https://www.pecmhf.ca/planned-giving.

If you have remembered PECMHF with a legacy gift, we are truly grateful and hope you will share this with us so we may thank you and ensure your future contribution is used exactly as you wish.

Making a planned gift involves preparation and planning. Planned gifts should always be part of your estate and/or financial planning process and be reviewed by a professional financial or legal advisor. They will help to ensure your gift fits your personal circumstances and that you maximize any tax advantages.

For information about our hospital, or to donate call 613 476 1008 ext. 4502, or visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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Pounder Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Back the Build and Marine Rescue

March 20, 2026

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.