Beginning the New Year with Gratitude

Shannon Coull • January 21, 2022

January 21, 2022

This column is intended for two audiences, the donors who invest in the quality of life we have in The County and the professional fundraisers and volunteers who facilitate the impact of philanthropy.


I am sure I am not the only one who can’t believe how fast January is flying by! As we move closer to the month of February, I find myself reflecting on my start to the New Year. For me, some resolutions haven’t turned into good habits yet, like going to bed earlier. But, one has! I am waking up every morning feeling grateful. I am fortunate though, not only is it easy for me to find things in my personal life to be grateful for, it’s literally written into my job description.

 

It takes time to build and nurture relationships with our donors and it is all built on trust. To be a good fundraiser is to care for, build and, STEWARD, the relationships we have with our donors; respecting fully, the donor’s preferences and interests. This means, we need to take the time to get to know what is important to each one of our donors and strive to make each donor’s experience as meaningful as possible.


Stewardship involves actions like expressions of gratitude, communicating on how the gift will be used, reporting on the impact and difference their gift is making and providing the opportunity for the donor to give again.


As a result, the donor feels wonderful and appreciated for their giving. And, the more I get to know my donors and the stronger my relationships become, the more gratifying and meaningful my job is. It’s a win-win!


A strong stewardship program should be guided by the Donor Bill of Rights. The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. The Bill helps to hold charitable organizations to the highest standards and has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Prince Edward

County Memorial Hospital Foundation.


According to the Network for Good https://www.networkforgood.com/resource/7-reasons-why-donors-give/ , people are motivated to give because 1. They believe in the mission 2. They trust the organization 3. They see the impact of their giving 4. They are personally connected to the cause 5. They want to be a part of something 6. The organization caught their attention and it is easy to make a gift, and 7. Tax benefits (notice this one is the last on the list).


Do you know the #1 reason why donor’s stop giving? Poor stewardship! They don’t know how their gift is being used and if it had an impact. This takes a lot of work and effort but if done right, your organization could have a very special relationship with your donors, one that has the potential to last a lifetime.


I hope this isn’t the case, but if you are a donor and you aren’t feeling the love, reach out to your beloved charity and let them know how they can better steward your relationship. You are an important member of your very own stewardship team!

 

If you are a charity or volunteer in our community who is looking for creative ways to nurture and cultivate your donors, feel free to reach out to our Foundation. We’d love to brainstorm with you. After all, every charitable organization in our community is contributing to the fabric of our lives and each one is important.


For information about our hospital, to access the Donor Bill of Rights, or to make a donation call 613 476 1008 ext. 4502, or visit the Foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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.
Merrial Leslie
October 15, 2025
PECMH Foundation Planned Giving - Merrial Leslie built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community.
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. 
Picton Fair Bake Off Honour Deputy Jim Young
August 26, 2025
Picton Fair Bake Off to Honour Deputy Jim Young - Funds raised will support the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
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