Life-Saving Diagnostic Equipment Coming to New PECMH

bboyce • May 29, 2025

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) is proud to announce the successful completion of its $3 Million CT Scanner Campaign, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the community and a transformational matching gift from the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation.


As a result of a collective effort, made possible by contributions from Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, Norm Ritchie and Monique Postlewaite, the PECMH Auxiliary, Wynne Thomas, the Estate of Geraldine Della Bosca and more than 200 community donors, the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) will include a CT scanner for the first time in its history, marking a milestone in local healthcare delivery. The funds raised will go towards the purchase, installation and infrastructure of the new CT Suite. This combination of state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment will also help the new PECMH attract and retain the best and brightest across all areas of hospital care.


“This is what the power of community looks like. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, patients in Prince Edward County will soon have access to life-saving diagnostic care—right here at home,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health. “This CT scanner isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of what we can accomplish when we dream big and work together.”


Each year, more than 2,150 patients from Prince Edward County must travel to other Quinte Health hospitals for CT scans. With the addition of this advanced diagnostic tool, those patients will soon have access to timely, accurate imaging services right here at home. That means faster diagnoses, reduced stress, and improved outcomes for patients and their families.


“This achievement represents more than a piece of equipment,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director of PECMH Foundation. “It’s a profound investment in the health and well-being of everyone in our community. We’re incredibly grateful to our donors and to the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation for helping us make this vision a reality.”


“The success of this campaign is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Cabinet Chairperson. “We’re deeply grateful to every donor who contributed, and especially to the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, whose matching gift helped us cross the finish line.”


The Paul B. Helliwell Foundation made a $200,000 donation to be used for a 2:1 matching gift to the campaign in May of 2025, tripling the value of every donation made up to $100,000. This is the second time the Paul B. Foundation has stepped up in this way. In 2021, the foundation matched donations up to $500,000 during the Back the Build Campaign, raising a total of $1.5 million at that time. In total, the Paul B. Foundation has now committed over $2.2 million in support of the new hospital.


To recognize this extraordinary generosity, the Emergency Department in the new PECMH will be named in honour of the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation.


“We are honoured to carry forward Paul B. Helliwell’s philanthropic legacy,” said John Jenah, President of the Foundation. “Supporting this campaign means giving back to a community we care deeply about. We are proud to help bring essential diagnostic care to Prince Edward County.”


With the CT campaign complete, attention now turns to raising funds for the new mammography machine to support advanced breast screening at PECMH.

March 20, 2026
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1.  Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.
Chestnut Park Picton
March 12, 2026
Chestnut Park Real Estate’s generous $5,000 donation supporting the Back the Build campaign
March 5, 2026
One of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s dedicated Care Champions has been selected as the 2025/2026 recipient of “The County Guys Local Love Bursary.”
trudy phyo gift match
February 6, 2026
Phyo Kyi and Trudy Brown, recent $10,000 donation to the Foundation’s matching gift campaign was doubled to $20,000
Kilroy Family
January 29, 2026
Show your love for PECMH and double your impact today!
Picton Legion Poppy Fund
January 8, 2026
PECMH Foundation is grateful to receive a $10K donation from the Picton Legion Poppy Fund, supporting the campaign to replace an aging digital mammography machine.
Wellington Rotary
December 22, 2025
Wellington Rotary’s Roaring ’20s Fundraiser Strengthens PECM Hospital Foundation with Nearly $7,000 Gift
November 24, 2025
The Rotary Club of Picton has once again demonstrated its long-standing dedication to strengthening local healthcare by presenting a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation in support of the Back the Build campaign.  The contribution represents funds raised through several Rotary-led community initiatives, including their annual Rotary Golf Tournament , the Waterfalls Tour , Rotary Cash Calendars and the Lilac Ride . These events continue to play a significant role in ensuring the Foundation meets our $30M Back the Build campaign goal for the new PECMH. For more than 23 years, the Rotary Club of Picton has been a steadfast partner in improving healthcare in PEC—contributing close to $225,000 to date. This includes a generous $100,000 pledge toward Back the Build campaign that was fulfilled in 2023. These funds help to ensure the new hospital is equipped with the modern tools and technology needed to serve patients today and for generations to come. “The Rotary Club of Picton has a deep and enduring commitment to community service, and supporting our hospital is a natural extension of that mission,” said J.J. Johnston, Rotary Club of Picton President. “We are proud to continue contributing to a project that will have a lasting impact on everyone in Prince Edward County.” “We are grateful for Rotary’s leadership, generosity, and community spirit,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director, PECMH Foundation. “Their ongoing support of this campaign helps ensure our new hospital will provide the high-quality care our community deserves. Rotary truly embodies what it means to give back to the County.” The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Picton for their support of local healthcare and their thoughtful contribution toward building and equipping the new hospital.
November 21, 2025
PECMH Foundation is celebrating a major milestone in its Back the Build campaign following a generous $600,000 grant from the RBC Foundation Community Infrastructure Fund.
November 20, 2025
Past Chairs Unite at the New Hospital Site to Reflect on Legacy and Celebrate Progress
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