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.