PECMH Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Giving

bboyce • June 26, 2026

PECMH Foundation Celebrates Community Impact, Hospital Progress and 40 Years of Giving

Wellington – June 25, 2026 – The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation celebrated another successful year of philanthropy, community engagement, and progress toward a new hospital during its Annual Meeting held today at the Royal Canadian Legion in Wellington.

During the meeting, Foundation leaders reflected on a year marked by generosity, major construction milestones, and continued investment in healthcare close to home.

The Foundation reported that the community contributed more than $3.8 million during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. These funds support priority medical equipment, patient care initiatives, and the continued advancement of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

“This year reminded us what is possible when a community comes together around a common purpose,” said Peggy Payne, Chairperson of the PECMH Foundation Board of Directors. “From donors and volunteers to community partners and healthcare leaders, every person who contributed played a role in strengthening healthcare close to home. We are deeply grateful for the trust and generosity that continue to move us forward.”

The Foundation celebrated several significant milestones throughout the year, including the arrival of mass timber at the new hospital construction site, a transformational $600,000 investment from the RBC Foundation to support sustainability initiatives within the new hospital, and the successful completion of the Foundation's $1 million mammography campaign.

The year also marked the Foundation's 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of philanthropy and community leadership in support of local healthcare.

“Our annual report theme this year is Rooted in Community. Building the Future Together, and that sentiment could not be more fitting,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director of the PECMH Foundation. “Whether it was seeing the hospital structure begin to rise, celebrating our 40th anniversary, or witnessing the excitement of children at The Hub Child & Family Centre as they followed the construction progress, we were reminded that our work is about future generations and the lasting impact of community generosity.”

The Foundation also continued to support priority medical equipment purchases for Quinte Health. During the fiscal year, the Foundation contributed $1,039,957 toward equipment and patient care priorities benefiting residents of Prince Edward County and the broader Quinte region.

“The support of the PECMH Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference for patients and families across our region,” said Lina Rinaldi, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at Quinte Health. “The generosity of donors, volunteers, and community supporters is helping ensure access to high-quality care today while building a hospital designed for the future. We are incredibly grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Foundation and the community it serves.”

The Foundation also recognized the continued contributions of its volunteers, donors, Campaign Cabinet members, PECMH Auxiliary volunteers, community partners, and Board of Directors, whose leadership and dedication continue to strengthen healthcare throughout Prince Edward County.

The 2026–2027 PECMH Foundation Board of Directors consists of:

Marla Allan
Susan Brown
Dennis Darby
Jeff DiBattista, vice chairperson
Ann Galvin, treasurer
David Griffith
Dr. Andrew Janikowski
Sharon Morcom, PECMH Auxiliary representative
Peggy Payne, chairperson
Wendy Reid, secretary
Dr. Cliff Rice
Sherry Tait

Biographies for all directors can be found at www.pecmhf.ca/our-board.

The Foundation's audited financial statements is available online at www.pecmhf.ca/our-accountability.

About PECMH Foundation

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation raises funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County, including the construction and equipment of a new hospital. For more information or to lend your support, please visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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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.