First Major Gift from Picton Business

Website Editor • October 29, 2020

PICTON, October 29, 2020

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation has been waiting a long time to share exciting news about a significant gift to the new hospital, and the donor has deep roots in the Prince Edward County community. Today, the Foundation is able to thank this donor and its Board of Directors for being the first company to come forward with a major gift in support of the Back the Build hospital campaign.

 

In commemoration of their 146th anniversary on October 31, Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. is announcing their $1.5 million gift to help build Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s new home.

 

“Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is a pillar of the community. Supporting and investing in our local communities is important to Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. As this community continues to grow, the need for access to health care is more important than ever,” said Steve Raymond, board chair of the Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.

 

The transformational gift has been designated to help build the diagnostic imaging department inside Quinte Health Care’s (QHC) new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. The department will house services currently offered in the present hospital such as X-Ray, ultrasound and mammography and will be named in recognition of Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.

 

“It’s a great day when an esteemed business like Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance expands their charitable giving and chooses to give back to a once-in-a-lifetime project like this,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance has been a member of our donor family for over 11 years and were the first major corporation to step forward with a significant commitment to help Back the Build. We are grateful for their board’s leadership and investment in continuing to support exceptional health care in our community.”

 

On October 31, 1874, the Bay of Quinte Mutual Agricultural Fire Insurance Company commenced business in rented office space in the Jamieson Block in Picton. It wasn’t until the 1920s that Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. expanded to insure properties in Northumberland and Hastings Counties. In 1978, the company moved into its current location on Loyalist Parkway in Picton.

 

“Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. takes pride in being part of the rural communities in South Eastern Ontario, but Picton is where we got our start. It’s the reason our board felt strongly about giving back to the community where we had our beginnings 146 years ago. Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance and Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital are similar in that they have been deeply rooted in this community for over 100 years. A new hospital is not something that happens often and some may never see one in their lifetime. If ever there was an opportunity for our board to support a new hospital with a meaningful gift, now is the time to do so to ensure there’s a hospital here for many years to come,” said Raymond.

 

Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. is a long-time supporter of our local hospital and a key partner in advancing the construction of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Many of Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. board and staff members live in the County and have exceptional pride in helping to build the first new hospital in Prince Edward County in more than 60 years.

 

“It’s inspiring to see the community come together to support a new hospital. Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. has shown great dedication and generosity, in both equipping the current hospital and now building the new one. This gift will have a significant impact on our growing community for years to come,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chair.

 

This gift has been a huge help in PECMH Foundation’s ability to raise $11.3 million of its $16.5 million goal, which represents the community share of the estimated $100 million project.

 

“We are grateful to the Board of Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. for this $1.5 million contribution and their community leadership,” said Dennis Darby, Back the Build campaign co-chair.

 

PECMH’s new build provides a number of opportunities for individuals and families to leave a lasting legacy by naming a room, like Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. has, in the state-of-the-art facility. Naming opportunities within the new hospital are based on giving levels, starting with a commitment of $25,000, pending availability.

 

“Honouring and recognizing our donors is a priority for the PECMH Foundation and the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet,” said Coull. “It is a proud moment when we successfully assist our donors to find a naming opportunity that holds special meaning to them. We look forward to cutting the ribbon on the newly named diagnostic imaging department with Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. representatives when our new hospital is built.”

 

“Our board members take great pride in helping to build this much-needed hospital for our community. It is an honour for us to be able to give back and make a difference, both as a board and as donors. We’re proud to be supporting Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build campaign to ensure quality care, close to home, continues to be delivered in Prince Edward County,” said Raymond.

 

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For more information

Shannon Coull, CFRE

Executive Director

Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation

403 Main Street E., Picton, Ontario, K0K 2T0

613-476-1008 ext. 4503 (work) 613-921-2242 (cell)

 

Jeffery Howell,

President

Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.

13379 Loyalist Pkwy., Picton, Ontario, K0K 2T0

613-476-2145

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.
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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.
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Past Chairs Unite at the New Hospital Site to Reflect on Legacy and Celebrate Progress
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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.
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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.
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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. 
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