GivingTuesday

bboyce • November 28, 2022

GivingTuesday

By Briar Boyce

Tuesday, November 29 is a special day for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) and for our charitable partners across the region – it is GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday is acknowledged around the world as a day for global giving. Its purpose is as simple and uncomplicated as it gets: to encourage people to do good. Now in its 10th year, GivingTuesday has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.

GivingTuesday is known as the ‘opening day of the giving season’. It is a time when businesses and individuals join together and rally for their favourite causes. In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday harnesses the kindness of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities. It provides a platform to encourage the donation of money, but also time, resources and talent. It also brings together the collective power of partnerships – not-for-profits, businesses, corporations, families and individuals to encourage acts of goodwill and generosity.

But, the great thing about goodwill and generosity, is that they don’t have to be saved for just one day.

When I look around, it’s easy to see bitterness and division. But, each of us, through small acts of generosity can change our outlook and maybe even our society. Just one act of kindness a day can not only reduce stress and anxiety, it can improve the well-being of the person you were kind to and inspire those who witnessed the act of kindness to pay it forward.

Whether it is making someone smile, helping a neighbour or stranger out, showing up for a cause or people we care about or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.

Recently, the foundation received an annual contribution from one of our volunteers. This gift had an ‘extra’ $34.00 tacked onto the amount with a story about how the extra gift came to be. This volunteer had entered several items into the Picton Fair and the homegrown entries were ‘champions’ in many categories. This volunteer shared that donating their winnings was how one champion could support another champion – our hospital’s Care Champions!

This volunteer hopes the small seed they have planted with that story will grow into something bigger and possibly inspire others to give back in creative ways…or maybe encourage more entries into next year’s fair.

The holiday season is fast approaching, though it feels like it is already here in full force. Soon our Christmas appeal letter will be arriving to your mailbox via Canada Post. The letter outlines the need for a new x-ray machine at our hospital. This piece of equipment will cost $595,000. Thanks to Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, donations made to the x-ray machine will be matched dollar for dollar up to $150,000.

That campaign is off to a strong start. In the month since we launched the matching gift incentive with the auxiliary, numerous gifts have been received. We are immensely grateful to those who have already made a contribution.

These are challenging financial times for many, but we can all make an effort to show generosity and share kindness with those around us. I hope you will consider making a gift to the foundation to help us purchase a new x-ray machine for our hospital. Your gift will have double the impact and ensures we can continue to make a difference in healthcare right here at home.

For information about our hospital, or to make a donation call 613-476-1008 ext. 4425, or visit the foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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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.