Let me reintroduce myself

bboyce • October 5, 2023

Let me reintroduce myself

By Briar Boyce

A couple of weeks ago, our Executive Director, Shannon Coull and our Back the Build Campaign Chairperson, Nancy Parks, presented to the newcomers’ group at the Picton Public Library branch. It was an excellent opportunity for them to introduce themselves to those new to Prince Edward County and engage with and educate them about all the happenings underway at our County hospital.


This got me thinking that even though we’ve been writing columns since February 2017, maybe some of you are new to our community and reading for the first time. I thought it might be fun to re-introduce myself, so here goes.


Tell us a little about yourself!


Hi, my name is Briar Boyce, and I’m the Senior Development Officer at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF). I have been at PECMHF for just over 15 years.


In one sentence, how would you explain your job to a friend?

 

Our team builds relationships with donors and helps them feel recognized for their contributions to Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.


What makes you passionate about the work you do?


I’m proud to work at our County hospital! What’s even more important to me is the team I work with. Being part of the foundation team allows me to work with other extraordinary individuals, each with their specialized skillset. All of us are passionate about improving access to healthcare in our community. Our dynamic team of four works hard to impact the lives of others positively, and we are working towards the same goal: raising money for PECMH to serve the community and the hospital’s patients best. I appreciate my colleagues. We are very collegial and trust each other greatly. And we have fun along the way!


Do you have a favourite fundraising initiative?


I would have to say our Care Champion program! Fundraising for me is all about community, and our Care Champion program is rooted in the exceptional care provided by the medical team at the hospital. When a grateful patient or family member makes a gift in honour of a nurse, doctor, or any staff member who went above and beyond in providing care, the Care Champion receives a personalized certificate. These donations help future patients receive quality care at our hospital and give the recipient a special spark of energy. I love seeing how people’s faces light up when they read the messages from the donors…their former patients.


Why is it important to you to give back to PECM Hospital Foundation as a donor?

 

When it comes to generosity, no matter how much I can give, I feel good knowing I am investing in the future of healthcare delivery in Prince Edward County. That is why I am enrolled in PECMHF’s monthly giving program. Being a donor means building a better future for the hospital and future generations in The County.

 

What inspires you?


I am inspired by making people feel good about the gifts they are giving. I want everyone who donates to feel like their gift matters and that we are grateful for it. And we are! It feels meaningful when I receive a donation from someone in the community. It’s rewarding to learn about them and what motivated them to give. That inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing.


All the talented Care Champions working at our hospital also inspire me. I have gotten to know and learn from so many unique individuals over the past 15 years, many of whom have become lifelong friends. Being part of the foundation team also allows me to support the morale of the staff at the hospital. I love that we can celebrate people…donors, staff, or otherwise. Working at the hospital is a beautiful way to serve my community.


For information about our hospital or to donate, call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502 or visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca.


Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160
October 17, 2025
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is grateful to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 in Wellington for their generous $3,000 grant from the Poppy Fund to support the purchase of a new mammography machine for our new hospital.
Merrial Leslie
October 15, 2025
PECMH Foundation Planned Giving - Merrial Leslie built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community.
September 24, 2025
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 Honour Deputy Jim Young
August 26, 2025
Picton Fair Bake Off to Honour Deputy Jim Young - Funds raised will support the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
MLP Residence Donates $5,000 to PECMH Foundation's Back the Build Campaign
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MLP Residence is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation’s Back the Build campaign.
Base31 partners with Quinte Health and PECMH Foundation
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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.
How a Daycare Found Wonder in a Hospital Build
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"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
By Tanya Moore July 4, 2025
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 Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital
By Tanya Moore July 2, 2025
Mass Timber Construction Takes Centre Stage in New Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Build
Monica Alyea Receives the 2025 Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award
By Tanya Moore June 27, 2025
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.
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