The Prince Edward Side-by-Side (SxS) and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders recently donated $3,600 to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF).

On June 1, 2024, 90 people on 80 machines took in The County's pretty views, fresh air, and adventure while raising funds to Back the Build for our new County hospital through their second annual poker run. In two years, this event has raised $6,260.

An additional $735 was donated to both The Recreation Outreach Centre (ROC) and the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program to assist with youth initiatives underway in Prince Edward County.

Launching from the Prince Edward Community Centre in Picton, riders travelled to Monarch Point (at Point Petre). For $40.00, riders purchased and collected cards along the way.

The Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders were inspired to continue supporting the building of a new hospital, which will benefit everyone in the community.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s poker run. Your support makes a big difference and helps us get one step closer to making our new hospital a reality,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Third-party fundraising events, like this one hosted by the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders, are a wonderful example of how community organizations can turn good fun into big impact.”

Members of the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders participated in this event for several reasons. In addition to spending the day outdoors, there was camaraderie, food, great fun, and a lot of generosity.

Events like this poker run are becoming common in communities around the province. They improve tourism, bring spending into the communities involved, raise awareness of the responsible aspects of ATV ownership and riding, and help attract new members.

“Because last year’s Poker Run was so successful, we knew people would return to support this worthwhile cause,” said Rick Insley, event organizer on behalf of the volunteers. “The poker run allows riders to go out and enjoy the beauty of our County. We want to thank the participants who enjoyed such a beautiful day among friends, the Picton Firefighters Association for hosting the barbecue lunch, and everyone who contributed sponsorships and prizes that will Back the Build for our new hospital.”

Plans for a third annual poker run are in the works. Details will become available on the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders Facebook page at @PrinceEdwardSxS/ATV Riders. 

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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Pictured on the site of the new hospital at PECMH from left: Brad Thompson with the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders; TK Roach, co-owner of Canadian Tire Picton; Rick Insley with the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Addilyn, Shannon Collins with the ROC Youth Services, Olivia, Mayor Steve Ferguson and Briar Boyce, senior development officer with PECMHF.