PICTON, February 15, 2024 – It was another sweeping success!

Representatives from the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) were swept off their feet when the Prince Edward Curling Club members presented $57,022.00 that will Back the Build for a new hospital in Prince Edward County (PEC).

The curling club hosted their second annual 24-hour curl-a-thon that began on Saturday, January 27, at noon and ended on Sunday, January 28, at noon. One hundred and sixty-two curlers took to the ice in two-hour blocks around the clock to raise funds for the new hospital campaign. Each participant was asked to raise a minimum of $100.00 in pledges for the cause.

The curl-a-thon brought together new and experienced curlers from the community to support the hospital foundation.

“The outpouring of support from so many people and local businesses when curlers and volunteers went into the community asking for support was incredible again this year,” said Pam Piercey on behalf of the Prince Edward Curling Club. “Our members always come through; there was no exception this time. We had tremendous support from those staffing the kitchen, helping on-ice, and those tending to the bar.”

While curlers asked for cash gifts from their family and friends, the local business community came through with food donations, items for the silent auction, and cash donations to support the fundraising endeavours. Over $48,000 was raised in pledges alone. The curling club donated ice time and provided equipment, instruction, and volunteers to help organize the event. The entire community's generosity helped maximize the foundation's proceeds.

“Because of community initiatives and events like the curl-a-thon, the foundation is one sweep closer to building our new hospital,” said Barbara McConnell, PECMHF’s chairperson. “One of the great benefits of having a modern hospital in The County is finding new ways to enhance patient care, such as offering expanded services like access to a CT Scanner. We owe a big thank you to everyone who came out, including many who have never thrown a curling rock before. The funds from this event will ensure patients who visit our new hospital receive the best care that technology and compassion offered in Prince Edward County,” she said.

“This year, we set out to raise $35,000 for Back the Build. We are blown away to have collected over $57,000! We are indebted to so many people and businesses who, stone by stone, made this event such a success,” said Piercey.

Top fundraisers were Ron Stakes, who collected $1,690 in pledges; Ilona Anderson, who collected $2,250 in pledges; and in the top spot was Vanessa Vansittart, who collected $10,117 in pledges.

Each year, the foundation is fortunate to receive many inquiries from groups, businesses, and individuals wishing to organize third-party events supporting the hospital. The foundation is grateful to have been named the beneficiary of this event for the second year.

“The way this community steps up to support this campaign never ceases to amaze me…even if it’s at 4:00 in the morning,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “The organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and participants of the curl-a-thon have set the bar for how third-party fundraisers should run. We can’t wait to show everyone in The County that, because of their support, we are not only building a new hospital, we are building a great hospital, potentially the first of its kind in North America.”

Those who have donated to help Back the Build are touching everyone in this community.

 “Seeing the community unite to support a new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is inspiring. This contribution from the curling club will significantly impact how health care is delivered in our community for years and has motivated others to Back the Build. We are extremely grateful for this generosity,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson.

In addition to moving to the Grand Patron level on PECMHF’s donor wall for cumulative gifts totalling $100,000 or more, a room in the inpatient unit in the new hospital will be named in honour of the Prince Edward Curling Club.

For more information on the curling club, visit www.pecurling.com.

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 at the Prince Edward Curling Club from left: Ron Stakes, curl-a-thon committee member; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Brian Eden, Curl-a-Thon committee member; Sally Cowan, Back the Build campaign cabinet member; Joanne Tammel, curl-a-thon committee member; Pam Piercey, curl-a-thon committee member; Lori Walker, curl-a-thon committee member; Lana Whitteker, curl-a-thon committee member; Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation.

Photo credit: Jess Jacklin