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.


Chestnut Park Picton
March 12, 2026
Chestnut Park Real Estate’s generous $5,000 donation supporting the Back the Build campaign
March 5, 2026
One of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s dedicated Care Champions has been selected as the 2025/2026 recipient of “The County Guys Local Love Bursary.”
trudy phyo gift match
February 6, 2026
Phyo Kyi and Trudy Brown, recent $10,000 donation to the Foundation’s matching gift campaign was doubled to $20,000
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.
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