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.