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 Rotary Club of Picton has once again demonstrated its long-standing dedication to strengthening local healthcare by presenting a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation in support of the Back the Build campaign.  The contribution represents funds raised through several Rotary-led community initiatives, including their annual Rotary Golf Tournament , the Waterfalls Tour , Rotary Cash Calendars and the Lilac Ride . These events continue to play a significant role in ensuring the Foundation meets our $30M Back the Build campaign goal for the new PECMH. For more than 23 years, the Rotary Club of Picton has been a steadfast partner in improving healthcare in PEC—contributing close to $225,000 to date. This includes a generous $100,000 pledge toward Back the Build campaign that was fulfilled in 2023. These funds help to ensure the new hospital is equipped with the modern tools and technology needed to serve patients today and for generations to come. “The Rotary Club of Picton has a deep and enduring commitment to community service, and supporting our hospital is a natural extension of that mission,” said J.J. Johnston, Rotary Club of Picton President. “We are proud to continue contributing to a project that will have a lasting impact on everyone in Prince Edward County.” “We are grateful for Rotary’s leadership, generosity, and community spirit,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director, PECMH Foundation. “Their ongoing support of this campaign helps ensure our new hospital will provide the high-quality care our community deserves. Rotary truly embodies what it means to give back to the County.” The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Picton for their support of local healthcare and their thoughtful contribution toward building and equipping the new hospital.
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The 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event will take place at its new location, The Eddie Hotel and Farm located at 15786 Loyalist Parkway (between Bloomfield and Wellington) in Prince Edward County … Thursdays through Sundays between Noon and 6 PM starting on Thursday, December 4th and running through Sunday, December 21st, 2025. The event will now be known as “Holiday Photos at The Red Barn”. Residents and visitors can now make an advance reservation for their group photo time through www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. Guests will check in a Nellie’s Cheese Shop located in The Red Barn where they can make their donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign, purchase a snack, hot chocolate, mulled cider and other holiday gifts. You then bring your own fully charged camera and choose from one of 3 photo areas in and around The Red Barn. Eddie staff will be available to assist with taking your photo or you can use one of the iphone camera stands available at each photo location. All they ask in return is for a donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign. “We suggest a donation of $10 per group, but a larger donation is welcome if you can afford it, and less is fine if you can’t” says Alex. An income tax receipt will be issued by the PECMHF for all donations over $100. To make your reservation for the 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, go to www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. “We are delighted to be taking over the annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event from Tara and Andrew at ANDARA Gallery and bringing it to The Eddie Hotel and Farm. It seemed like such a good fit since our property is already so decorated after The Red Barn Holiday Market - which takes place the last weekend of November each year. We loved the idea of people being able to capture their family memories over the years against the backdrop of “The Eddie”, says says Alex Portman, Co-owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “We are delighted to continue this wonderful tradition of providing such a joyful experience for our community that brings people together to create holiday memories while raising much needed funds for the new hospital,” says Michael Von Teichman, Co-Owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “Thank you to Andrew and Tara of ANDARA Gallery and everyone who has supported this event over the past five years. We look forward to continuing this wonderful holiday tradition with Alex and Mike at The Eddie Hotel and Farm. No matter the size, every donation makes a difference in the care you and your family will receive in our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “We look forward to everyone coming out to support this festive fundraiser again this year as we work to modernize and enhance health care services to ensure people living in and visiting our community continue to have access to care close to home.” 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 patients of the hospital. -30- PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Holiday Photo in the Barn Founders and ANDARA Gallery Co-Owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson, celebrate the transition of their annual fundraiser over to The Eddie Hotel and Farm in Prince Edward County with (Centre) Nancy Parks, PECMHF Back the Build Chairperson and (R), the Eddie’s Co-Owners, Michael von Teichman and Alex Portman. Photo Credit: Staff, The Eddie Hotel and Farm.
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