Paul B. Helliwell Matching Gift Initiative Fulfilled

Website Editor • October 29, 2021

PICTON, October 29, 2021

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) is pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity of donors, $500,000 has been raised through a matching gift incentive to help build a new hospital in Prince Edward County.

 

And, it took less than three months!

 

This past summer the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation committed to making a 2:1 match for all new donations to Back the Build up to $500,000. Every gift made since June 18, 2021, has been matched by the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation resulting in $1,500,000 for our new County hospital.

 

“We are incredibly thankful to our community members for their enthusiastic response to supporting this matching gift initiative,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “The donations given to help build our new hospital had three times the impact, thanks to the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation.”

 

This fundraising initiative set out to inspire community giving. Over 500 donor gifts qualified to receive the 2:1 match.

 

“Every amount that was donated, big or small, helped PECMHF reach this incredible achievement,” said John Jenah, president of the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation. “It was clear from the start that this community is incredibly supportive of their hospital. The donors that were inspired to give through the match have demonstrated just how much having a new hospital in Prince Edward County means to them. My dear friend Paul Helliwell would be so pleased to know his philanthropic legacy had such an impact in this community.”


In recognition of this 2:1 matching gift, the Dialysis Unit inside the new Quinte Health Care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (QHC PECMH) will be named in honour of Paul B. Helliwell.

 

The Dialysis Unit located at QHC PECMH is part of the South East Regional Renal Program at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. This clinic provides dialysis treatment for County residents. Having a dialysis unit available in Picton means patients do not need to travel to Belleville or Kingston for this essential service.

 

The fulfillment of the matching gift incentive brings us very close to reaching our Back the Build original fundraising goal.

 

“This significant pledge will be fulfilled over the next few years. It has certainly helped with the success of our campaign and we need to keep the momentum going,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chairperson. “We are nearing the end of this stage of our project and this matching gift has helped to keep the project moving forward. The generosity shown through the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation and the community members who contributed to the match has been absolutely extraordinary.”

 

Paul Helliwell was born in China to missionary parents. His parents helped shape him into becoming the humanitarian that he was. He was also an entrepreneur, a visionary, an avid sailor, beloved husband and brother who strongly believed in giving back. Paul was a true philanthropist, leaving the bulk of his estate to his foundation to help worthy causes.

 

The Paul B. Helliwell Foundation has supported many health care facilities including Sick Kids, Humber River Hospital and the Toronto General Hospital.

 

“Thanks to the generosity and financial support of the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, everyone associated with this new hospital will benefit,” said Jenah. “It is my belief that when doctors, nurses and staff are given the proper tools and proper environment as they will be in this case, they will invariably excel at their craft and care for the public. I believe that with higher quality premises and tools, not only will the quality of patient care increase but they will aid in attracting higher quality staff of all levels.”

 

A ground breaking for the new QHC PECMH is expected to happen in 2024. The Back the Build campaign gives the community a chance to invest in the hospital our County needs for the future. Donations can be made online at www.backthebuild.ca.

 

Thanks to Paul B. Helliwell’s tremendous forethought, QHC PECMH’s patients, health care professionals and the community will benefit from his legacy for many years to come.

 

“It is amazing what can be accomplished when we work together,” said Coull. “Donors should never underestimate the impact they have. Every gift, no matter the size, gets us closer to our goal of having a new hospital in Prince Edward County and every donor brings our community closer together.”



The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise money to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.


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.
RE/MAX GOLF CLASSIC PECMH FOUNDATION
By Tanya Moore June 25, 2025
A decade of commitment to advancing local healthcare was celebrated in full swing on June 10, as the 10th Annual Teeing Up Fore Health Care Golf Classic raised a record-breaking $68,600 in support of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation. The sold-out tournament welcomed 24 teams and 96 golfers to the Picton Golf and Country Club. This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of a new digital mammography machine, a vital diagnostic tool for early breast cancer detection at the new County hospital. The current mammography unit, in use for over 12 years, is nearing end-of-life, and the cost of replacement is estimated at just under $1 million . "Marking 10 years of community support with a record-setting total is an extraordinary milestone," said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMHF. "This event continues to demonstrate how deeply committed this community is to ensuring exceptional healthcare remains close to home." The winning foursome was Wilkinson & Company LLP Chartered Accountants , with Jeff Snider, Richard Dainard, Craig Closson, and Terry Greer , finishing 10 under par. “This tournament is more than a day of golf,” said Sean McKinney, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quinte Ltd. “It’s a chance for the business community to step up and give themselves an opportunity to make a lasting impact on local healthcare.” Special thanks are extended to Wilkinson & Company Chartered Accountants and Tax Specialists who came in again as the title sponsor for the tournament for the 10th consecutive year in a row. This day would not be possible without the incredible support from our corporate sponsors: Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co., DLC National - The Gulliver Team (Terri Gulliver), Euro Tile & Stone, HDR Architecture Associates, Herb & Kathy Pliwischkies, Kingsford Management, M. Sullivan & Son Limited, Market High Advertising, Monument Geomatics and Estimating, Parkside Landscaping and Contracting, Port Picton Homes, Scotiabank, Taste of Country, Wellings of Picton, and Boats and Holes. "Seeing this community come together to raise a record-breaking total on the tournament’s 10th anniversary is both humbling and inspiring,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Cabinet Chairperson. “Each dollar raised is a step closer to bringing the best diagnostic tools to our new hospital, and I couldn’t be prouder of the generosity and spirit that define Prince Edward County." Additional thanks go to all who donated prizes, sponsored holes, provided swag, volunteered, golfed, or participated in the silent and live auctions. Every contribution directly supports better equipment and care at PECMH. One auction item at this year’s tournament exemplified the extraordinary generosity of our community. A stunning BBQ package, donated by Picton Home Hardware and Steve VanDusen, valued initially at $2,200, became a powerful fundraising moment when multiple bidders donated their winning bids and returned the BBQ to be re-auctioned. The prize pack also included a deluxe grill set, a 12-pack of craft beer from Prince Eddy’s, and a bottle of Argentinian Malbec, courtesy of Herb and Kathy Pliwischkies, and $150 worth of premium steaks from Ralph’s Meat Market — donated by the Pliwischkies sisters: Kristen, Lauren, and Kara. Thanks to this incredible spirit of giving, the item raised over $19,000 of the $68,600. Sincere thanks to all our donors, bidders, and partners who made this possible, including Josh Doxtator, Hotch Earl, Herb and Kathy Pliwischkies, Nancy Cleave, and Steve VanDusen. Their generosity continues to fuel our mission. PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information about upcoming events or to lend your support, please contact Cait Lavoie at 70clavoie@quintehealth.ca or visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca .
By Tanya Moore June 9, 2025
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is thrilled to announce a remarkable $50,000 sponsorship commitment from Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. , naming them as the Presenting Sponsor for the upcoming series of 40th Anniversary fundraising events in 2025. This generous contribution underscores Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.’s deep-rooted commitment to enhancing healthcare in our community and supports a critical priority — the purchase of a new state-of-the-art mammography machine for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. This investment will ensure faster, more accurate diagnostic care and timely breast screening for residents across the County. "As we mark 40 years of impact, we’re not only reflecting on how far we’ve come, but also envisioning a healthier future for everyone in Prince Edward County," said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. "Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.’s ongoing leadership and generosity are helping make that vision a reality.” Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.’s $50,000 sponsorship includes support for four cornerstone events in PECMH Foundation’s celebratory calendar: RE/MAX Teeing-Up Fore Health Care Golf Classic (June 10, 2025 – Picton Golf and Country Club) An Evening with David Frum and Karen Valihora (July 24, 2025 – The Regent Theatre) Fall Golf Tournament at Wellington on the Lake (Date TBC) 40th Anniversary Celebration Their sponsorship builds on a powerful legacy of giving, including their transformational $1.5 million gift to Back the Build , which will name the Diagnostic Imaging Department in the new hospital. This latest commitment continues their leadership role in shaping the future of local health care. “Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co.’s leadership as Presenting Sponsor of our 40th Anniversary events not only honours our past, but boldly invests in our future,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Cabinet chairperson. “Their ongoing support is a powerful reminder that when we come together with purpose, we can build something truly transformative — a hospital that will serve generations of residents and families in Prince Edward County." “We believe in giving back to the communities we serve, and supporting healthcare is one of the most meaningful ways we can do that,” said Jeff Howell, president of Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. “The new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will be a cornerstone of this community for generations to come. We are proud to stand behind this exciting milestone and to help equip the future hospital with the technology and tools our neighbours deserve.” At PECMH Foundation, we are proud to be a strong voice and champion for exceptional healthcare for the patients of our hospital and the people of Prince Edward County and beyond. Giving to our Foundation is an investment in the health of our community. With the support of dedicated partners like Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co., we can ensure the hospital has the tools, technology, and resources to provide the care our residents and patients deserve — now and into the future. PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information about upcoming events or to lend your support, please contact Cait Lavoie at 70clavoie@quintehealth.ca or visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca .
Paul B. Helliwell Foundation Prince Edward County
By bboyce May 29, 2025
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) is proud to announce the successful completion of its CT Scanner Campaign, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the community and a transformational matching gift from the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation.
Rotary Club of Picton
May 6, 2025
The Rotary Club of Picton has once again demonstrated its continued commitment to local healthcare with a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation.
R. John Garside  Volunteering
April 28, 2025
It’s National Volunteer Week, and this week we are celebrating our behind-the-scenes Champions at the PECMH Foundation!
Third Annual Curl-A-Thon
By bboyce March 27, 2025
Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation were rocked this week, when the Prince Edward Curling Club members presented $45,363.00
The County Guys pose with Cody-Rae Fowler, this year's bursary recipient.
March 7, 2025
In a special presentation, The County Guys Real Estate Group and Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation presented a $2,500 bursary to Cody-Rae Fowler, a Cherry Valley resident who works as a Registered Practical Nurse in the Inpatient Unit as well as the Emergency and Endoscopy Departments at PECMH. Fowler is set to begin her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at Loyalist College while continuing her work at our County hospital.
Show More