PECMHF and The County Guys announce bursary

bboyce • March 1, 2024

PECMHF and The County Guys announce inaugural bursary recipient

PICTON, February 29, 2024 – One of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s Care Champions is the recipient of the newly created “The County Guys Local Love Bursary.”

In a special presentation, The County Guys Real Estate Group and PECMHF presented an inaugural $2,500 bursary to Mikayla Williams-Mills, a Demorestville resident who works at PECMH as a Registered Practical Nurse working on both the inpatient unit and in the Emergency Department. Williams-Mills is completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at Nipissing University while working at our County hospital.

PECMHF, in partnership with The County Guys Real Estate Group, has launched a bursary for Quinte Health employees pursuing education that will benefit health care, who are motivated to help and heal others, and who are passionate about nurturing a healthy quality of life in Prince Edward County.

Williams-Mills was chosen to be recognized for this inaugural bursary because of her commitment and dedication to caring for her patients, being a positive influence on her colleagues, and giving back to her County hospital.

Williams-Mills, the first in her family to graduate from college, started her career in health care as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) and an activity aide at a local nursing home while pursuing her education as a Registered Practical Nurse. She has worked with Quinte Health since 2019. In addition to nursing in the inpatient and ER departments, she holds casual positions in the Endoscopy Unit and the outpatient lumps and bumps clinic.

Described as knowledgeable, empathetic, hardworking, and a lifelong learner, Williams-Mills is always willing to lend a helping hand. This spring, she will mentor a Loyalist College nursing student in addition to juggling full-time hours and completing her education online.

She was inspired to advance her career to help widen her scope of practice and to allow for more opportunities. Williams-Mills is on track to graduate with her degree in 2027 and is committed to continuing her nursing career at our County hospital to serve our local community.

“I am honoured to receive the County Guys Local Love Bursary! This bursary will assist me financially in continuing my education to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree,” said Williams-Mills. “Receiving this bursary will help take some financial burden off my shoulders as I continue to serve our rural community and vulnerable population while expanding my education, critical thinking and skills.”

Fueled by donor support from The County Guys Real Estate Group, this bursary will recognize and financially support staff at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) to assist with pursuing continuing education or completing certifications.

“The County Guys Local Love Bursary Fund is a meaningful way to support our hospital’s wonderful Care Champions. By investing in their education costs, we can help our Care Champions achieve their goals and incentivize them to stay here and work in our community,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “The County Guys' willingness to fund this bursary will open doors to opportunities for our Care Champions to reach their full potential while helping us keep a great healthcare system in Prince Edward County. And the best part is that anyone working at our hospital, regardless of position, can apply.”

The County Guys Local Love Bursary will play a critical role in advancing the knowledge and skills of PECMH’s Care Champions. This bursary will also positively impact numerous colleagues with whom these bursary recipients will share their knowledge and thousands of patients receiving care at PECMH annually.

“The County Guys are always looking at different ways that we can support and promote meaningful initiatives that support the people working in our community,” said Aleks Ninkovic, founder of The County Guys. “During our conversations with the foundation team, we wondered how to engage with and nurture those who want to advance their careers but may not necessarily have the means. It often comes down to financial incentives and people being able to afford their education. By helping to offset expenses incurred, we are helping change the direction of people’s lives.”

“It is truly amazing to see the far-reaching benefits of these funds, both for the staff taking additional education programs, but also for the hospital’s patients and our community who will benefit from their added knowledge and skills,” said Dale Chapman, founder of The County Guys. “This bursary will allow healthcare workers at PECMH to upgrade and maintain skills they need to deliver the highest quality of care.”

The bursary will help offset expenses incurred by participating in a formal learning program related to healthcare that supports healthcare delivery in our community and leads to a recognized certificate, diploma, or degree. As funds are available, PECMHF will offer at least one annual bursary valued at a minimum of $2,500.

“I am humbled and touched the foundation, and the County Guys have created this bursary and feel privileged to be part of shaping the future of healthcare in my community,” said Williams-Mills.

The County Guys Team looks forward to continuing to raise funds for next year’s bursary at this year’s Chuck-A-Puck fundraiser, which will be held on Saturday, March 9, at the Wellington and District Community Centre from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Established in 2023, The County Guys Local Love Bursary Fund is available to any permanent part-time or full-time employee at Quinte Health, whose home site is the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. The candidate must be enrolled in an education program and be committed to advancing healthcare delivery in our community. This bursary will support caregivers wanting to advance their careers by equipping them to better serve patients and their families.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital.

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Group Photo: Pictured presenting Mikayla Williams-Mills (centre) with the inaugural County Guys Local Love Bursary are The County Guys Real Estate Group team and representatives from the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Photo credit: Arda Sahin, James Media Co.

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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.