Leaving a Legacy of Care for Generations to Come
October 15, 2025
Estate of Merrial Leslie
Merrial Leslie was born to Albert and Mary Gibson on July 9, 1935, in Hamilton, Ontario. She built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community. Merrial and her beloved husband, Len, shared 45 wonderful years of marriage, creating a partnership marked by devotion and shared purpose.
For 58 years, Merrial built a remarkable career in Toronto’s real estate development industry. Beyond her professional success, she and Len found joy closer to home on Big Island in Demorestville. In 1961, they purchased a former church and lovingly transformed it into a warm, welcoming sanctuary that reflected their shared vision and care. After Len’s passing in 2005, the home remained a cherished place, filled with the love and memories they had created together.
Just as she poured love and care into her home, Merrial also invested in her community, showing steadfast support for Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation.
For more than 26 years, Merrial has been remarkable in her loyalty to PECMH Foundation. Over that time, she has given 30 gifts, often during the holiday season, to help purchase priority medical equipment.
Because medical equipment is not funded by the government, donors like Merrial allow our Care Champions to continue delivering high-quality care close to home. Her annual support touched countless lives, ensuring patients and families had access to the tools our hospital staff needed.
Now, even after her passing, Merrial’s kindness lives on. Through her estate, PECMHF is honoured to receive a bequest of $100,000, a lasting gift that will continue her tradition of caring and strengthen our hospital for generations to come.
“Investing in our hospital, especially through a legacy gift, allows Merrial to live on through her story of kindness and generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This gift ensures our hospital will be able to continue serving the community in the future. The foundation is grateful for the opportunity to recognize Merrial for her lifetime of caring and impact.”
Legacy Giving — also known as planned giving — helps keep our hospital equipped with the most modern tools and technology. It’s an excellent way for anyone, regardless of means, to make a lasting difference. You can do this in many ways, such as through your Will or a life insurance policy, creating a meaningful legacy that supports the future of our County hospital.
When making or updating your Will, many people are surprised that after caring for family, there is still room to remember a favourite charity. No matter the size, a gift in your Will to PECMHF is a lasting testament to the value you place on health care for everyone in our community.
To learn more about making a gift in your will, please visit www.pecmhf.ca/planned-giving.
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.
Picton Fair Bake Off to Honour Deputy Jim Young - Funds raised will support the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
MLP Residence is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation’s Back the Build campaign.
PECMH Foundation and Quinte Health are pleased to announce a partnership with Picton’s Base31 that ensures air ambulance services are continuing while construction on the new hospital is underway.
"My New Hospital” – through little eyes - At the HUB Child & Family Centre, our youngest neighbours have a front-row seat to the action next door — the building of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital!
PECMH Foundation Celebrates Record-breaking Fundraising Year - The PECMH Foundation reported that the community stepped forward to help raise over $6.2 million in the 2024/25 fiscal year ending on March 31.
Mass Timber Construction Takes Centre Stage in New Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Build
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to announce Monica Alyea as the 2025 recipient of the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award (LFDSA).
PECMH Foundation former Board Member Leo Finnegan, and Executive Director Shannon Coull, presented this year’s award.
A decade of commitment to advancing local healthcare was celebrated in full swing on June 10, as the 10th Annual Teeing Up Fore Health Care Golf Classic raised a record-breaking $68,600 in support of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation. The sold-out tournament welcomed 24 teams and 96 golfers to the Picton Golf and Country Club. This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of a new digital mammography machine, a vital diagnostic tool for early breast cancer detection at the new County hospital. The current mammography unit, in use for over 12 years, is nearing end-of-life, and the cost of replacement is estimated at just under $1 million . "Marking 10 years of community support with a record-setting total is an extraordinary milestone," said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMHF. "This event continues to demonstrate how deeply committed this community is to ensuring exceptional healthcare remains close to home." The winning foursome was Wilkinson & Company LLP Chartered Accountants , with Jeff Snider, Richard Dainard, Craig Closson, and Terry Greer , finishing 10 under par. “This tournament is more than a day of golf,” said Sean McKinney, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quinte Ltd. “It’s a chance for the business community to step up and give themselves an opportunity to make a lasting impact on local healthcare.” Special thanks are extended to Wilkinson & Company Chartered Accountants and Tax Specialists who came in again as the title sponsor for the tournament for the 10th consecutive year in a row. This day would not be possible without the incredible support from our corporate sponsors: Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co., DLC National - The Gulliver Team (Terri Gulliver), Euro Tile & Stone, HDR Architecture Associates, Herb & Kathy Pliwischkies, Kingsford Management, M. Sullivan & Son Limited, Market High Advertising, Monument Geomatics and Estimating, Parkside Landscaping and Contracting, Port Picton Homes, Scotiabank, Taste of Country, Wellings of Picton, and Boats and Holes. "Seeing this community come together to raise a record-breaking total on the tournament’s 10th anniversary is both humbling and inspiring,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Cabinet Chairperson. “Each dollar raised is a step closer to bringing the best diagnostic tools to our new hospital, and I couldn’t be prouder of the generosity and spirit that define Prince Edward County." Additional thanks go to all who donated prizes, sponsored holes, provided swag, volunteered, golfed, or participated in the silent and live auctions. Every contribution directly supports better equipment and care at PECMH. One auction item at this year’s tournament exemplified the extraordinary generosity of our community. A stunning BBQ package, donated by Picton Home Hardware and Steve VanDusen, valued initially at $2,200, became a powerful fundraising moment when multiple bidders donated their winning bids and returned the BBQ to be re-auctioned. The prize pack also included a deluxe grill set, a 12-pack of craft beer from Prince Eddy’s, and a bottle of Argentinian Malbec, courtesy of Herb and Kathy Pliwischkies, and $150 worth of premium steaks from Ralph’s Meat Market — donated by the Pliwischkies sisters: Kristen, Lauren, and Kara. Thanks to this incredible spirit of giving, the item raised over $19,000 of the $68,600. Sincere thanks to all our donors, bidders, and partners who made this possible, including Josh Doxtator, Hotch Earl, Herb and Kathy Pliwischkies, Nancy Cleave, and Steve VanDusen. Their generosity continues to fuel our mission. PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information about upcoming events or to lend your support, please contact Cait Lavoie at 70clavoie@quintehealth.ca or visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca .
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is thrilled to announce a remarkable $50,000 sponsorship commitment from Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. , naming them as the Presenting Sponsor for the upcoming series of 40th Anniversary fundraising events in 2025. This generous contribution underscores Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.’s deep-rooted commitment to enhancing healthcare in our community and supports a critical priority — the purchase of a new state-of-the-art mammography machine for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. This investment will ensure faster, more accurate diagnostic care and timely breast screening for residents across the County. "As we mark 40 years of impact, we’re not only reflecting on how far we’ve come, but also envisioning a healthier future for everyone in Prince Edward County," said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. "Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.’s ongoing leadership and generosity are helping make that vision a reality.” Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.’s $50,000 sponsorship includes support for four cornerstone events in PECMH Foundation’s celebratory calendar: RE/MAX Teeing-Up Fore Health Care Golf Classic (June 10, 2025 – Picton Golf and Country Club) An Evening with David Frum and Karen Valihora (July 24, 2025 – The Regent Theatre) Fall Golf Tournament at Wellington on the Lake (Date TBC) 40th Anniversary Celebration Their sponsorship builds on a powerful legacy of giving, including their transformational $1.5 million gift to Back the Build , which will name the Diagnostic Imaging Department in the new hospital. This latest commitment continues their leadership role in shaping the future of local health care. “Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.’s leadership as Presenting Sponsor of our 40th Anniversary events not only honours our past, but boldly invests in our future,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Cabinet chairperson. “Their ongoing support is a powerful reminder that when we come together with purpose, we can build something truly transformative — a hospital that will serve generations of residents and families in Prince Edward County." “We believe in giving back to the communities we serve, and supporting healthcare is one of the most meaningful ways we can do that,” said Jeff Howell, president of Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. “The new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will be a cornerstone of this community for generations to come. We are proud to stand behind this exciting milestone and to help equip the future hospital with the technology and tools our neighbours deserve.” At PECMH Foundation, we are proud to be a strong voice and champion for exceptional healthcare for the patients of our hospital and the people of Prince Edward County and beyond. Giving to our Foundation is an investment in the health of our community. With the support of dedicated partners like Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co., we can ensure the hospital has the tools, technology, and resources to provide the care our residents and patients deserve — now and into the future. PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information about upcoming events or to lend your support, please contact Cait Lavoie at 70clavoie@quintehealth.ca or visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca .