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.


Kilroy Family
January 29, 2026
Show your love for PECMH and double your impact today!
Picton Legion Poppy Fund
January 8, 2026
PECMH Foundation is grateful to receive a $10K donation from the Picton Legion Poppy Fund, supporting the campaign to replace an aging digital mammography machine.
Wellington Rotary
December 22, 2025
Wellington Rotary’s Roaring ’20s Fundraiser Strengthens PECM Hospital Foundation with Nearly $7,000 Gift
November 24, 2025
The Rotary Club of Picton has once again demonstrated its long-standing dedication to strengthening local healthcare by presenting a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation in support of the Back the Build campaign.  The contribution represents funds raised through several Rotary-led community initiatives, including their annual Rotary Golf Tournament , the Waterfalls Tour , Rotary Cash Calendars and the Lilac Ride . These events continue to play a significant role in ensuring the Foundation meets our $30M Back the Build campaign goal for the new PECMH. For more than 23 years, the Rotary Club of Picton has been a steadfast partner in improving healthcare in PEC—contributing close to $225,000 to date. This includes a generous $100,000 pledge toward Back the Build campaign that was fulfilled in 2023. These funds help to ensure the new hospital is equipped with the modern tools and technology needed to serve patients today and for generations to come. “The Rotary Club of Picton has a deep and enduring commitment to community service, and supporting our hospital is a natural extension of that mission,” said J.J. Johnston, Rotary Club of Picton President. “We are proud to continue contributing to a project that will have a lasting impact on everyone in Prince Edward County.” “We are grateful for Rotary’s leadership, generosity, and community spirit,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director, PECMH Foundation. “Their ongoing support of this campaign helps ensure our new hospital will provide the high-quality care our community deserves. Rotary truly embodies what it means to give back to the County.” The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Picton for their support of local healthcare and their thoughtful contribution toward building and equipping the new hospital.
November 21, 2025
PECMH Foundation is celebrating a major milestone in its Back the Build campaign following a generous $600,000 grant from the RBC Foundation Community Infrastructure Fund.
November 20, 2025
Past Chairs Unite at the New Hospital Site to Reflect on Legacy and Celebrate Progress
November 14, 2025
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Rogers family and Keint-he Winery and Vineyards.
October 31, 2025
BLOOMFIELD, October 28, 2025 – What began as a way to bring isolated people together safely to make cherished holiday memories during the Covid pandemic … grew over 5 years resulting in over 3,000 people (and countless pets) being photographed at ANDARA Gallery’s annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event … raising over $35,000 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.  Today, Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi are proud to announce that this beloved program will be transitioning over to The Eddie Farm & Hotel for the 2025 Holiday season … and beyond. “We have loved every minute of our five years hosting this special holiday fundraiser! The program has grown so much and now requires more energy and resources. We couldn’t be more thrilled to hand the reins of this beautiful annual tradition over to the stewardship of Alex Portman and Michael von Teichman at The Eddie Hotel and Farm … the epitome of “Christmas in the County”. We know their team will do a great job continuing this treasured tradition for County residents and visitors in support of our beloved hospital”, said Tara Wilkinson, co-owner of ANDARA Gallery. Artists Tara and Andrew will continue to focus on creating, exhibiting and selling contemporary fine art paintings, photography, digital art and ceramics year-round from their colourful ANDARA Gallery - named one of Ontario’s Top 10 Best Art Galleries by TripAdvisor earlier this year. ANDARA Gallery’s upcoming holiday art show and sale, “LUMINOUS” will run November 15th through December 6th and then December 16th to 23rd from 11 AM to 5 PM. For more information, visit www.andaragallery.com. The 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event will take place at its new location, The Eddie Hotel and Farm located at 15786 Loyalist Parkway (between Bloomfield and Wellington) in Prince Edward County … Thursdays through Sundays between Noon and 6 PM starting on Thursday, December 4th and running through Sunday, December 21st, 2025. The event will now be known as “Holiday Photos at The Red Barn”. Residents and visitors can now make an advance reservation for their group photo time through www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. Guests will check in a Nellie’s Cheese Shop located in The Red Barn where they can make their donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign, purchase a snack, hot chocolate, mulled cider and other holiday gifts. You then bring your own fully charged camera and choose from one of 3 photo areas in and around The Red Barn. Eddie staff will be available to assist with taking your photo or you can use one of the iphone camera stands available at each photo location. All they ask in return is for a donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign. “We suggest a donation of $10 per group, but a larger donation is welcome if you can afford it, and less is fine if you can’t” says Alex. An income tax receipt will be issued by the PECMHF for all donations over $100. To make your reservation for the 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, go to www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. “We are delighted to be taking over the annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event from Tara and Andrew at ANDARA Gallery and bringing it to The Eddie Hotel and Farm. It seemed like such a good fit since our property is already so decorated after The Red Barn Holiday Market - which takes place the last weekend of November each year. We loved the idea of people being able to capture their family memories over the years against the backdrop of “The Eddie”, says says Alex Portman, Co-owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “We are delighted to continue this wonderful tradition of providing such a joyful experience for our community that brings people together to create holiday memories while raising much needed funds for the new hospital,” says Michael Von Teichman, Co-Owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “Thank you to Andrew and Tara of ANDARA Gallery and everyone who has supported this event over the past five years. We look forward to continuing this wonderful holiday tradition with Alex and Mike at The Eddie Hotel and Farm. No matter the size, every donation makes a difference in the care you and your family will receive in our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “We look forward to everyone coming out to support this festive fundraiser again this year as we work to modernize and enhance health care services to ensure people living in and visiting our community continue to have access to care close to home.” 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. -30- PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Holiday Photo in the Barn Founders and ANDARA Gallery Co-Owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson, celebrate the transition of their annual fundraiser over to The Eddie Hotel and Farm in Prince Edward County with (Centre) Nancy Parks, PECMHF Back the Build Chairperson and (R), the Eddie’s Co-Owners, Michael von Teichman and Alex Portman. Photo Credit: Staff, The Eddie Hotel and Farm.
October 28, 2025
The inaugural Partners in Pink Golf Tournament, held on October 9, was a swinging success, raising just over $64,000
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160
October 17, 2025
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is grateful to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 in Wellington for their generous $3,000 grant from the Poppy Fund to support the purchase of a new mammography machine for our new hospital.
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