Marathon races in with support for hospital

bboyce • November 23, 2022

The County Marathon races in with support for hospital

PICTON, November 23, 2022 - Community support racing in from County Marathon participants has resulted in a record-breaking result for our County hospital.

Mark Henry, the County Marathon’s race director and Lynne Ellis, the Marathon’s board chairperson presented Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with $5,500 on Wednesday, November 23 bringing this year's total to $8,000. The funds were donated by marathoners and community members who pledged support to the hospital foundation as part of the 2022 race. As with other years, each pledged gift was matched by the Marathon.

“The Prince Edward County Marathon is so pleased to be able to make 2022 our biggest donation year ever,” said Henry and Ellis. “Based on the contributions our runners make, we are committed to matching every dollar our runners put forward. This has resulted in a figure significantly larger than any previous year!”

The County Marathon, Half Marathon and new for 2022 the 50 km Ultra, are public events open to runners, walkers, and wheeled athletes. The races are Athletics Ontario certified events which allows the marathon to be a Boston Marathon qualifier race. Certification is based on very accurate course measurement and a list of other critical requirements, focussed on runner safety.

For the past 19 years this 42.2 km race and 21.1 km race, has taken runners past three lakes, and through three villages while surrounding them with the beautiful autumn colours of Prince Edward County. The County Marathon committee is so grateful that the events have been embraced by the community especially the many volunteers who have made it happen every year since 2004.

“Year in and year out, the foundation raises money to purchase medical equipment for our County hospital and to support regional healthcare, and that is vitally important work. It ensures our hospital medical staff continue to have the equipment they need to treat us, their patients, with the excellent care we appreciate so much,” said McConnell. “I am in awe of groups, like the County Marathon committee for their commitment to keeping healthcare in our community strong.”

“I'm very proud to be part of the philanthropic community that supports our County hospital so enthusiastically,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “I've witnessed the hospital provide outstanding care to so many in our community. The foundation wants to ensure our healthcare system has the equipment and resources it needs available when illness strikes. It's comforting to know that a great hospital with fine facilities is nearby, equipped to make a difference – all because of donors who care.”

The County Marathon committee has donated over $23,000 to PECMHF and remains committed to supporting the local hospital and community. The County Marathon remains a vibrant community event because of the support it has received from dedicated volunteers, PECI students, businesses, such as The County's dairy farmers, and the municipality through the County Foundation.

“Our success this year can't go without mentioning the Ontario Provincial Police, Prince Edward County staff and facilities, Hastings Prince Edward Emergency Medical Services, Tri and Run Coaching and Doctors Hayward Stewart, and Blanchard all of whom have provided invaluable services in the safe delivery of our events for virtually our entire existence since 2004,” said Ellis. “We are eager to continue to give back to the community by supporting our local hospital with notable individual donations from runners included Lindsay Evans, James Swinnerton, Karamjit Tind, Jason Gugliotta, Kirk Snider, Amy Quilty, and Kaden Snider."

The County Marathon is considering hosting its 20th race on October 1, 2023. The Marathon Committee is actively seeking volunteers for next year’s race. For more information and, ideally, to volunteer email info@thecountymarathon.ca.

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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Pictured in front of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital from left: Willow the dog, Lynne Ellis, the County Marathon’s Board Chairperson; Mark Henry, Marathon race director; Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation and Pat Evans, director on the PECMH Foundation Board.

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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.