Philanthropy in Action

bboyce • October 28, 2022

Philanthropy in Action

By Briar Boyce

November 15 is a special day for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) and for our charitable partners across the region – it’s National Philanthropy Day.


This day signifies the importance of working together for the common good and to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy including those people active in the philanthropic community, whether they are paid fundraisers, volunteers, service organizations, or donors themselves.


Philanthropy, as I am learning, takes many forms and is a core value behind so many of PECMHF’s strong partnerships within the community.


Recently, one of the foundation’s strongest partners, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary generously offered to make a 1:1 match on all gifts to PECMHF’s equipment fund up to $150,000.


For every dollar raised, the auxiliary will donate $1.00. The goal is to raise $150,000 from the community and the auxiliary will donate $150,000. This matching incentive applies to new gifts received from now until January 31, 2023, and will be used towards the purchase of an x-ray machine needed at our County hospital.


Contributions made through this matching gift campaign will ensure our hospital has access to leading edge medical devices so patients in our region do not have to travel to other facilities for this service.


The foundation is raising $595,000 to purchase this new machine. This diagnostic imaging device will be used in the current hospital and will transition into Prince Edward County’s new hospital in 2027.


This year, in honour of National Philanthropy Day, and the great work of our hospital auxiliary, I encourage you to make a contribution that is meaningful to you to the foundation’s x-ray campaign and have it matched by the auxiliary.


You can be a part of philanthropy in action and join donors from across the region who are making charitable contributions in support of keeping our hospital well equipped. If you are inspired to join this community of supporters, I hope you will consider participating in National Philanthropy Day by giving one of the greatest gifts of all, the gift of health.


You can also watch for our County-wide mail drop happening later this month via Canada Post that outlines the match and provides an opportunity to give. Every gift to our Christmas appeal will be doubled!


As a side note, Remembrance Day is fast approaching. Our local Legion branches are also an important philanthropic partner to our foundation. I hope you remember to wear a poppy and give what you can to the poppy fund. In the last decade, PECMHF has been the recipient of over $117,000 in equipment funding, which comes largely through poppy sales from our local Legion branches. This is another amazing example of philanthropy in action. We are grateful for the incredible veterans and Legion members living in our community.


Having the right equipment in the right hands means that patient care remains first-rate at our hospital. Please consider helping us by making a financial contribution to the x-ray machine and have your gift matched by the auxiliary this holiday season.


Together, we can show what a difference we can make when we work together. To make a donation, and have it matched by the auxiliary, visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca or call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502.



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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.
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