Community Carol Service hits all the right notes

bboyce • February 15, 2023

Community Carol Service hits all the right notes

Our friends with the Community Carol Service were off the scales when they presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation with a donation on Wednesday.

The inspiration for their charitable efforts came from a very musical place.

On December 4, 2022, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Carol Service Group, along with five other local church choirs brought the Christmas Carol Service back. It was hosted at Picton United Church.

The sweet melodic sounds of the holiday carols inspired over 400 attendees to open their hearts and raise $1,300 that will Back the Build for Prince Edward County’s new hospital.

“The Community Carol Service has occurred on the first Sunday in December for over 30 years,” said Pat Bentley, co-chairperson of the Community Carol Service. “The event has historically raised funds for the Picton United Church Food Bank and the Christmas Angel Program among other worthy causes. This year, we wanted to be inclusive of the entire community so we chose to Back the Build because we realize the importance of having a hospital in our community that serves the needs of everyone.”

“We have been so inspired watching the community come together and work hard to support the building of this new hospital,” said Sally Cowan, Back the Build campaign cabinet volunteer. “Continued support from groups, like the Carol Service is vital as we continue to raise the funds needed to equip our new hospital with major medical equipment devices like a new mammography machine and CT Scanner, and explore environmental sustainability enhancements like solar energy and geothermal. Our new hospital will be built so those needing medical attention in our community will continue to receive the best care possible in a modern facility.”

“We wanted to contribute in a positive way and the hospital foundation does such great work in our community, and for our hard-working healthcare professionals, that we thought they were a great choice for this year’s carol service contribution,” said Rosemary Moore, co-chairperson of the Community Carol Service group.

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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Pictured in front of the Picton United Church from left: Rosemary Moore, Community Carol Service co-chairperson; Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation; Pat Bentley, co-chairperson of the Community Carol Service; Reverend Brian Nicholson from the Picton United Church and Sally Cowan, Back the Build campaign cabinet volunteer.

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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.