Hospital Auxiliary Pioneer named 2023 recipient of LFDSA

bboyce • June 30, 2023

Hospital Auxiliary Pioneer named 2023 recipient of Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award

Ameliasburgh, June 28, 2023 – One of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary volunteers is the recipient of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s (PECMHF) Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award (LFDSA).

PECMHF Board Member, Leo Finnegan and Board Chairperson, Barbara McConnell presented this year’s award at the board’s annual general meeting in Ameliasburgh on June 28, 2023, honouring Sue Law as the second recipient of the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award.

Inspired by its first recipient, The Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who, through their ongoing loyalty, commitment, outstanding contribution, and service, have shown dedication to and support for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation, its vision, mission, and strategic imperatives and priorities.

Law was chosen to be recognized for this year’s award because of her commitment and influential leadership for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation as well as the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (PECMHA).

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to formally recognize the achievements of such an exceptional and valuable volunteer, Sue Law,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation. “Sue has provided sustained service, unwavering commitment and philanthropic leadership to Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) and the community, and it is fitting that she has been selected to be honoured with this award.”

Law’s nomination, put forward by Pat Evans, on behalf of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, stated Sue has been a constant presence in the PECM Hospital since she first started volunteering with the Auxiliary on October 31, 1998. She continues to volunteer to this day. Her auxiliary volunteer duties include holding the offices of Board Vice President, Board President, and Past President. These positions of leadership led the Auxiliary through six years of growth and required many hours of organizing events, attending/chairing board meetings and participation at regional and provincial events.

“Sue’s commitment to the hospital is unparalleled,” said Evans. “She has volunteered in Blood Donor Clinics, the Dialysis Clinic, Meals on Wheels and frequently on Tag Days. Her most significant in-hospital contributions were as the Manager of Endoscopy for many years. Sue’s fundraising efforts to help purchase necessary hospital equipment are most evident in the leadership roles she has taken for the Festival of Trees over many years. She sits on the organizing committee and is responsible for the recruitment and scheduling of hundreds of volunteers. In all her work at every level Sue has demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and dedication.”

Sue was the Auxiliary President (2009 to 2011) responsible for leading the decision to expand the Second Time Around Shop (STAS) and was instrumental in moving it to the larger storefront which it still occupies today. This move resulted in the STAS becoming the fundraising machine that it is today.

In May of 2011, Sue was elected to the PECMH Foundation Board and continued there until June 27, 2019. She took on responsibilities that included thank you calls to donors, assisting with governance work and helping the ad hoc committee that planned, held, and supported foundation awareness events. These were some of the first steps in what became the Back the Build Campaign to help fundraise for a new hospital.

“Under her leadership the PECMH Auxiliary members took a leap of faith and made a commitment to raise and donate $1 million to Back the Build for our new hospital,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “The Auxiliary’s commitment of $1 million was seen as a huge sign of support and the Auxiliary under Sue’s leadership was the first community partner to pledge their support for the new hospital. It signaled to the community that a new hospital was needed and the endorsement from the volunteers gave confidence it would become a reality. At the time the Foundation felt the announcement of this pledge was critical to the Campaign’s success.”

“Sue’s exemplary leadership and service as past president of the PECMHA along with roles such as the manager for the endoscopy volunteers clearly demonstrated her kindness, empathy, and sense of giving to those in need. Sue has always met a challenge with a smile and ‘how can we help’ attitude; always takes a comforting approach to patients whether asking for directions or needing a warm blanket,” said Lisa Mowbray, manager of patient services and site lead at PECMH.

“To say I am overwhelmed about this award is an understatement,” said Law. “I accept this award on behalf of the hundreds of wonderful volunteers who over the years helped raise money for much needed medical equipment and recently raising the funds and fulfilling the $1M pledge to build a new hospital. Receiving this award is a great honour. Whether it is through their caring smiles, kind words or helpful hands, volunteers touch lives and lift spirits while helping the hospital’s staff, physicians, patients, families, and visitors. We are passionate, energetic, dedicated, caring and above all else, focused on supporting the hospital’s patients and families. Every day, we contribute to the betterment of our County hospital, and I am proud to stand amongst so many deserving volunteers. Thank you for this recognition.”

Established in 2022, the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award is presented to a volunteer who has exhibited exceptional commitment and service to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital and is selected by the PECMHF Board of Directors on an annual basis. Any volunteer, hospital staff member, hospital board or committee member, member of the community or third-party event organizer may be nominated. The award will not be automatically given each year, only in years when there is an exceptional person who fits the criteria. For more information visit https://www.pecmhf.ca/distinguished-service-award.

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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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.