Leo Finnegan Named Inaugural Recipient

Website Editor • March 31, 2022

Picton March 31, 2022

PICTON, March 31, 2022 – One of Prince Edward County’s most recognizable public figures is being honoured by the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with an inaugural award.

PECMHF presented this award on March 31, 2022, to an audience of close friends and family members at The Regent Theatre, naming Leo Finnegan as the first recipient of the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award.

Inspired by its first recipient, The Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award will be 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 and its vision, mission, and strategic imperatives and priorities.

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

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to formally recognize the achievements of one of the finest members of our foundation family, Leo Finnegan,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMHF Foundation. “I cannot think of a worthier recipient of this award than Leo. He has provided sustained service, unwavering commitment and philanthropic leadership to Quinte Health Care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (QHC PECMH) and the community, and it is fitting that he has been selected to be honoured with this inaugural award… and that the award should be named in his honour. In our ever-changing world, this remarkable person has been a constant pillar in our community and a beacon for our County hospital and the values we hold dear.”

In the future, through the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award, PECMHF will be able to acknowledge others who help the foundation achieve its mission across the region.

“Leo is a shining example of the greatness that is innate to our County hospital. He has truly made lasting contributions to QHC PECMH and has helped to shape the future of health care delivery in Prince Edward County in ways that will continue to be felt for decades to come through his dedication to advancing the plans for our new hospital,” said McConnell. “On behalf of the PECMH Foundation, we congratulate Leo and thank him for everything he has done, and continues to do for our hospital. We are extremely grateful for Leo’s selfless efforts in service to our community. He is an invaluable asset to the foundation and our community.”

“Leo has served in numerous capacities and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations within Prince Edward County. Leo has lived in The County since 1960 and knows that residents are passionate about the local hospital. He has worked tirelessly to keep the County hospital top of mind in the PEC community,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “He remains staunchly committed to the PECMH Foundation’s mission and mandate to raise the funds needed to facilitate the purchase of priority medical equipment, enabling improved patient care…the kind of patient care each of us wants and expects when we pass through the hospital doors. Around the board table, Leo remains focused on sound financial management and can often be heard saying, “is this raising us any money?”

“I am very grateful for the honour bestowed upon me on this occasion by the PECMHF,” said Leo Finnegan. “That feeling is also accompanied by a sense of humility when I remember colleagues and coworkers in various organizations that I have been associated with in the past who would be worthy of receiving such a tribute. I accept this award remembering their contributions to the betterment of our hospital and community.”

“Leo’s leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence helped to cement the reputation of our County hospital as being one of the best rural hospitals in Ontario,” said McConnell. “His constant willingness to help and serve has benefited every corner of The County.”

Established in 2022, the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award will be 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. 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 within the hospital community. The award will not be automatically given each year, only in years when there is an exceptional person who fits the criteria.

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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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.