Back the Build campaign surpasses original goal

Back the Build campaign surpasses original goal – new target announced

bboyce • May 19, 2022

PICTON, May 19, 2022 – The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s (PECMHF) Back the Build campaign for a new hospital in Prince Edward County has surpassed its fundraising goal– but the campaign isn’t finished.

At a special celebratory event held on Thursday at Picton’s Crystal Palace, PECMHF’s Board of Directors and Campaign Cabinet members announced a total of $20.7M has been raised for the new hospital build, surpassing the original $16.5M goal.

Plans for a new hospital began in 2014, followed by a public launch in 2018, when the Back the Build brand and Campaign Cabinet fundraising team were chosen.

“The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation fundraises to advance health care for every resident and visitor in this community,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “We are grateful to each and every donor who has helped us raise$20.7M in cash and pledges. Surpassing the community share of $16.5M toward the new build was not something we could have ever accomplished without the support of this generous community. We – the team at PECMHF, the campaign cabinet, our partners and donors are ensuring the future of health care delivery in Prince Edward County is vibrant and exceptional.”

The $20.7M covers the local share of the new hospital build, set out by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). This funding requirement includes 10 per cent of the hard construction costs for the new hospital. The funds raised in addition to the $16.5M account for the rise in building costs, inflation, increased infection control measures, environmental sustainability enhancements and an increase in services.

“More than 2,400 corporate and individual donors invested in Back the Build’s promise to build a new hospital in The County. These donors contributed over 5,030 gifts. The total of their generosity is a reflection of the quality of this community of supporters,” said Dennis Darby, Back the Build campaign co-chairperson and director on the PECMHF Board. “We’re grateful to the entire community for coming together; volunteers, donors, businesses big and small, service clubs. Donors should never underestimate the impact they have. Every gift, no matter the size, has brought us to where we are today and every donor brings our community closer together.”

New donors to PECMHF, Rick and Debbie Dainard, were present with their children Tanya and Michael to announce their $1.25M gift to Back the Build. This gift, and other significant pledges like this, helped PECMHF reach the $20.7M in commitments raised.

“Debbie and I are proud to support our community in the construction and equipping of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, the first hospital to be built in The County in over 60 years,” said Dainard. “We are excited to give back to the community and make this financial donation which will help to ensure that the highest quality of health care is available when it is needed most. We know this gift has a meaningful impact and hope it inspires others to step forward to support the next phase of the campaign.”

With the fulfillment of the local share requirement for the hospital build, PECMHF will now focus its efforts on the major equipment needed. The team announced that they will be raising $6M over the next five years.

New money raised will be earmarked for leading edge medical equipment, including the possibility of a Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanner for the new Quinte Health Care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (QHC PECMH). The funds will also help support environmental sustainability enhancements.

“As a result of the pandemic, our hospital system has experienced a significant increase in pressure on our staff and services, compelling us to view healthcare delivery through a new lens – one that reinforces the importance of care close to home, and places infection control practices at the forefront,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO, Quinte Health Care. “As a result, we are shifting course in our planning of the new PECMH to increase square footage to allow for new standards around infection control, and to accommodate 20 inpatient beds instead of the proposed 18. We are also pleased to confirm that we have been approved for a new CT Scanner, a service not currently offered at PECMH. These enhancements, in addition to sustainability features and smart technology will truly make for a state-of-the-art PECMH.”

“One of the great benefits of having an ultra-modern hospital in Prince Edward County is we can find new ways of enhancing patient care such as being able to offer expanded services like access to a CT Scanner,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chairperson. “The way the hospital staff, campaign cabinet volunteers and community step up to support this campaign never ceases to amaze me. Those who have donated to help Back the Build are touching everyone in this community – from children to the elderly. Now, with our new goal identified, we are hoping those who have not had an opportunity to contribute to the campaign, will step forward and become part of this incredible dream.”

PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign is the largest fundraising effort undertaken by the organization in its almost 37-year history. While the heart and soul of the current County hospital is thriving, the physical structure is nearing the end of its ability to meet today’s standards of medical care. After over 60 years in service, the time for a new hospital is now.

The new QHC PECMH is on track to open in 2027 with shovels projected to go into the ground in 2024.

“Building a new hospital is extremely involved and dynamic. There are so many moving parts that are all necessary so the project continues to move forward. The community’s confidence and continued support in this project has been critical,” said Coull. “It was clear from the start that this community is incredibly supportive of their hospital. Every single contribution is important. Whether it’s 10 dollars or one million, we appreciate the community support toward this next phase of our campaign. It’s our hospital. It’s our legacy.”

Those interested in making a donation can do so by visiting PECMHF’s newly redeveloped website at www.pecmhf.ca. Cheques can also be mailed to PECMH Foundation, 403 Main Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0, and those with further inquires may direct them to 613-476-1008 ext. 4502.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.

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Andara Gallery's Annual 'Holiday Photo in the Barn' moves to the Eddie Hotel and Farm

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.

Partners in Pink Golf Tournament a Swinging Success

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 Supports Mammography Campaign

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.

Leaving a Legacy of Care for Generations to Come

October 15, 2025

PECMH Foundation Planned Giving - Merrial Leslie built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community.

Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record

September 24, 2025

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.