Gay Lea Foundation Invests $21,000 in Mammography Campaign at PECMH

bboyce • June 4, 2026

Gay Lea Foundation Invests $21,000 in Mammography Campaign at PECMH

PICTON, ON, June 3, 2026 — The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is pleased to announce a $21,000 grant from the Gay Lea Foundation in support of the mammography campaign for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH).

The funding contributed toward the Foundation’s successful $1 million campaign to purchase a state-of-the-art mammography machine, helping ensure patients in Prince Edward County will continue to have access to leading-edge breast screening technology locally.

The Gay Lea Foundation’s Community Impact Grants support initiatives that strengthen health and wellness and foster resilient rural communities. The investment reflects Gay Lea’s longstanding commitment to supporting the people and communities connected to Ontario’s agricultural sector.

“We are deeply grateful to the Gay Lea Foundation for recognizing the importance of accessible healthcare in rural communities,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This investment helped advance a vital diagnostic service that will have a meaningful impact on patients and families across Prince Edward County.”

Lisa Pond, Director, Gay Lea Foundation, said the project strongly aligned with the Foundation’s commitment to community well-being and supporting rural Ontario.

“Strong rural communities depend on access to quality healthcare close to home,” said Pond. “Gay Lea Foundation is proud to support the mammography campaign at PECMH and invest in a project that will improve access to early detection and diagnostic care for residents, including many connected to our farming communities.”

The new mammography machine will support earlier detection, improved imaging technology, and a more comfortable patient experience.

“Access to mammography services locally is incredibly important for patients,” said Tammy Robson, Program Manager, Diagnostic Imaging at Quinte Health. “Early detection saves lives, and this technology will help ensure patients can receive timely breast screening and diagnostic care within their own community.”

Nancy Parks, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build Campaign Cabinet, said the support from Gay Lea Foundation reflects the strength and generosity of the agricultural community.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Gay Lea Foundation and to the many individuals connected to our rural and farming communities who continue to support the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County,” said Parks. “This gift is helping ensure patients and families have access to exceptional diagnostic care in our new hospital.”

About PECMH Foundation
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation raises funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County, including the construction and equipment of a new hospital. For more information or to lend your support, please visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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Pictured at PECM Hospital from left: Selena Prinzen, Gay Lea Foods Delegate, Briar Boyce, associate director, development for PECMH Foundation; Lisa Pond, Gay Lea Foundation board member; Vicki Cox, Operations Manager, of Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd; Meghan Stevens, medical radiation technologist at PECMH and Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Chairperson.

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Pounder Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Back the Build and Marine Rescue

March 20, 2026

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1. Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.