Last stop for Picton Model Railroaders

bboyce • May 22, 2024

PICTON, May 15, 2024 – After 51 years, the Picton Model Railroaders have come to the end of the line.

However, that did not stop the members of the club from jumping on board with two donations to support their local hospital.

Members of the Picton Model Railroaders presented $5,000 to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation and $5,000 to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary at a presentation last week.

The model train club dissolved after the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the members have sold off the equipment and decided to reinvest the earnings into the community to give back to those who supported them.

The foundation will use its share to Back the Build for the new hospital, and the auxiliary will use its donation to fund priority medical equipment needed in the current hospital.

“Over the last number of years, the club has suffered from a declining and aging membership,” said Jerry Kennedy, president of the Picton Model Railroaders. “We wish to thank the club's many supporters and fans. We highly value your support over our 51-plus years of operation and for the 30 years we held train shows. We are also grateful to those who purchased inventory from us. We hope that with these donations to our hospital, we can continue to touch the lives of thousands in our community.”

“It is full steam ahead as we work towards putting shovels into the ground for our new hospital this summer,” said Nancy Parks, chairperson of the Back the Build campaign. “Thanks to community groups like the Picton Model Railroaders, we are on track to realizing our dream of building a new hospital in Prince Edward County. We are grateful to those who support the hospital’s ongoing priority equipment needs and invest in our new hospital.”

“Without community fundraising, our hospital would not have the financial means to purchase equipment that ensures our hospital has the resources it needs to keep care close to home,” said Susan Quaiff, president of the PECMH Auxiliary.

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 the patients of the hospital.

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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.