Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award

bboyce • March 24, 2023

Do you know an outstanding volunteer?

By Briar Boyce

Almost a year ago, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) launched the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award (LFDSA) at an event held at Picton’s Regent Theatre on March 31, 2022.

The award’s purpose is to recognize special people and organizations who, through their exceptional volunteerism, make an impact on our local hospital – Prince Edward County Memorial.

Leo Finnegan was chosen to be recognized for the inaugural award because of his commitment and influential leadership to the hospital foundation and other organizations in Prince Edward County.

Leo has been a PECMHF board member for 12 years and was chairperson for three years. In addition to being an advocate for health care, he is a champion for the building of a new hospital in The County. Leo has served in numerous capacities, has volunteered thousands of hours and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations within Prince Edward County.

And, as we know there are others from our community who are also making a significant impact.

The LFDSA is intended to reflect the ongoing commitment, outstanding contributions, and service that support the Foundation’s mission to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and people of Prince Edward County (PEC).

PECMHF is proud to announce nominations for the LFDSA are open for any volunteer or organization that exemplifies the standard set by Leo.

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

The recipient of this year’s award will demonstrate characteristics like:

o Sustained leadership resulting in having an impact on the health and wellbeing of the people of PEC through volunteer service associated with PECMHF;

o Participation in activities or events that have enhanced the reputation and brand of PECMHF;

o Strength of commitment;

o Length of volunteer service; and

o Contributions to the Foundation’s success as a whole.

The accomplishments of a nominee can include philanthropic leadership, organizational leadership, community support development, fundraising, stewardship of donors and public awareness efforts that contribute to the health of the people of Prince Edward County.

The recipient of this year’s Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award will be selected by the PECMHF Board of Directors, based on the nominations received, and presented at the foundation’s annual general meeting in June. Any volunteer, hospital staff member, hospital board or committee member, member of the community or third-party event organizer may be nominated. Nominations will be accepted from anyone in the community.

If you know someone who is worthy of receiving this year’s Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award, we invite you to submit a nomination. The application is open until Friday, April 21, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Nomination forms and criteria are available by visiting https://www.pecmhf.ca/distinguished-service-award. Forms are also available for pick up from the foundation office located inside the main entrance of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

For information about the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award call 613-476-1008 ext. 4507, or email us at info@pecmhf.ca.

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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.