Holiday Photo in the Barn surpasses $30K

bboyce • December 20, 2023

Holiday Photo in the Barn surpasses $30K in four years

BLOOMFIELD, December 19, 2023 - The spirit of Christmas was at an all-time high at ANDARA Gallery as artist-owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation with an early Christmas gift.

As part of their annual ‘ODE to JOY’ Art Show and Sale, Tara and Andrew (with the help of wonderful friends) festively decorated their beautiful century-old barn with a stunning 18-foot Christmas tree from Skootamatta Christmas Tree Farm in Flinton, Ontario and welcomed residents and visitors alike for the fourth consecutive year for a “Holiday Photo in the Barn.”

Over 500 guests brought their camera phones, and co-owner Andrew Csafordi took their photo in exchange for a donation to the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign. The fundraiser ran from November 17 until December 17, 2023.

Individuals, couples, families, work colleagues, book clubs and groups of friends came to the barn for a photo - raising $6,700.00 for the campaign to build a new hospital in Prince Edward County - bringing ANDARA Gallery’s four-year total raised to $30,000 … with over 2,500 visitors (plus pets) photographed to date!

A highlight of the event was when Nadia Knarr and Paul Bastiaansen from Noble Beast Farms brought their lovely alpacas to ANDARA Gallery to participate in the photo shoots on November 18th and 19th.

“We were happy once again to provide such a joyful experience that brought people together from near and far (including PEI, Quebec and BC) to create happy memories while raising money for the new hospital campaign,” said Wilkinson. This year’s guests ranged from just four weeks old to 97 years young! Highlights included a surprise marriage proposal in front of the tree (she said YES!), the celebration of a 60^th wedding anniversary and an 80^th birthday. Many people came dressed in the spirit of the holidays, wearing everything from bowties and fancy dresses … to superhero PJs, eccentric holiday suits and festive sweaters!

“Thank you to Tara and Andrew of ANDARA Gallery and everyone who supported this event. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the care you and your family will receive in our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chair. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported 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.”

ANDARA Gallery is a contemporary art gallery showcasing fine art paintings and photography year-round in the heart of Prince Edward County. ANDARA Gallery plans to continue this holiday tradition next year and thanks everyone for sharing this joyful experience. Many of the photos taken this year can be seen on their homepage slideshow at andaragallery.com and on Facebook and Instagram at #andaragallerypec.

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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Photo: Pictured at ANDARA Gallery from the left at back: Briar Boyce, senior development officer with PECMHF; Sally Cowan, Back the Build campaign cabinet member; Monica Alyea, PECMHF board member; Andrew Csafordi, co-owner of ANDARA Gallery.

Seated at the front: Tara Wilkinson, co-owner of ANDARA Gallery; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson; and Barbara McConnell, PECMHF board chairperson

Photo credit: Shannon Coull

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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.