Community garage sale fundraiser Backs the Build

bboyce • June 5, 2023

WELLINGTON, June 2, 2023 – For more than 20 years, their old has been your new.

The annual garage sale at Wellington on the Lake (WOTL) was held on May 6 at the WOTL Clubhouse. Doug Henderson, coordinator of the community garage sale was excited to hand $1,500 to Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build Campaign Chairperson, Nancy Parks.

The funds will be invested in the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) to support major equipment purchases, such as a Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanner, Digital Mammography Equipment, and environmental sustainability enhancements that are part of the PECMHF’s Back the Build campaign.

“Since many WOTL residents rely on our County hospital for care, the garage sale committee felt a contribution should be made to Back the Build for our new hospital, which not only helps WOTL residents, but benefits everyone in Prince Edward County,” said Henderson. “We wanted to Back the Build because there is an overwhelming need for an upgrade to our County hospital.”

The garage sale at WOTL historically raises funds to support activities for the residents as well as contribute to improvements to the property. In recent years, there has been significant growth in the number of people residing at WOTL.

“We are thankful for the creative fundraising initiatives that local businesses and community members dream up!” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. On average, over $100,000 is raised each year by third-party events, like the WOTL Garage Sale, to help PECMHF provide the best quality and safest patient care possible and get us closer to building our new hospital in The County.”

“Prince Edward County residents need access to a medical facility with leading edge equipment, beds and services needed for facilitating essential patient care,” said Henderson.

The WOTL Garage Sale is a huge endeavour taking place over a period of three days. It requires about 100 hardworking volunteers to set up and accept donations on the Thursday and Friday before the sale, work the sale on Saturday and then clean up.

Items leftover after the sale were divided between seven local not-for-profit organizations.

“The garage sale couldn't have been accomplished without the generosity of our amazing community and the 100+ volunteers who provided their time over a three-day period. We involve as many people as we can and we try to do the best we can with what we receive,” said Henderson. “Though the garage sale is a lot of hard work, the volunteers feel satisfied making it fun for each other, making new friends and pulling the community together for an excellent cause – our hospital.”

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 at the WOLRA Community Centre in Wellington from left: Rick Stevens from WOLRA; Briar Boyce, senior development officer with PECMHF; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson; Doug Henderson with WOLRA; Monica Alyea, PECMHF board member and Bill Pennell with WOLRA.

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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.