PECMH Foundation Celebrates Record-breaking Fundraising Year

Tanya Moore • July 4, 2025

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation celebrated a successful year of fundraising at its annual meeting (AM) on June 26. 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.

The AM held at Wellings of Picton, highlighted PECMH Foundation’s achievements, particularly its two priority missions of fundraising work to provide leading-edge priority medical equipment and support of the community’s share of building the new hospital in the County.

Peggy Payne, PECMH Foundation’s chairperson, thanked the community for their generous support this year.

“This community continues to move us closer to opening the doors of our new hospital,” said Payne. “From donors to volunteers, every contribution helps create lasting impact on healthcare in our community. We’re incredibly grateful for the commitment and passion you bring.”

The Board Treasurer, David Griffith, reinforced the significant role PECMH Foundation plays in raising money each year for medical equipment for our County hospital and the greater Quinte region.

“In the last fiscal year, PECMH Foundation transferred $714,524 to Quinte Health to fulfill our responsibility to raise funds for priority medical equipment,” Griffith reported. “These investments supported various regional equipment needs across Quinte Health.”

Griffith said the Back the Build campaign received $5.15 million in donations as part of the $6.2 million that was raised for the year.

“This achievement is a true reflection of the giving heart that defines our community. We are deeply grateful to every donor and or volunteer whose unwavering support and dedication has helped bring us this far,” said Nancy Parks, Campaign Cabinet chairperson. “We are confident that the community’s passion and belief in this project will carry us over the finish line to opening our doors in 2027.”

“The incredible generosity of the people of Prince Edward County never ceases to inspire us,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health. “The PECMH Foundation and this remarkable community continue to lead the way in building a stronger future for health care—not just in the County, but across the Quinte region. We are deeply grateful for the passion, commitment, and vision that are helping bring our new hospital to life.”

The foundation bid farewell to outgoing directors: Sandra Foreman, Mohamed Khimji, Barbara McConnell and Susan Quaiff. It welcomed four new members: Marla Allan, Susan Brown, Dennis Darby, and Sharon Morcom (PECMH Auxiliary Chair).

The 2025/26 PECMH Foundation board consists of 12 directors: Peggy Payne (Chairperson), Jeff DiBattista (Vice Chairperson), Ann Galvin (Treasurer), Wendy Reid (Secretary), Marla Allan, Susan Brown, Dennis Darby, David Griffith, Andy Janikowski, Sharon Morcom (PECMH Auxiliary Representative), Cliff Rice, and Sherry Tait. Biographies for all directors can be found at https://www.pecmhf.ca/our-board.

Payne emphasized that the foundation’s future success will result from continued collaboration with community partners and support from donors across the region and beyond. She thanked the PECMH Foundation team, Shannon Coull, Briar Boyce, Cait Lavoie, Carter Little and Tanya Moore for their dedication and hard work.

“This past year has shown, once again, that Prince Edward County rises to the challenge,” said Payne. “Whether it’s purchasing urgently needed equipment or helping build a hospital for future generations, our community continues to show up. Together, you are building a health care legacy rooted in compassion, innovation, and community pride.”

PECMH Foundation’s audited financial statements will be available online in July at https://www.pecmhf.ca/our-accountability.

To donate or for more information, please call 613-476-1008 ext. 4507 or visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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 the patients of the hospital.

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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.