Picton Firefighters Back the Build

bboyce • November 27, 2024

Picton Firefighters add fuel to Back the Build fundraising efforts 

PICTON, November 26, 2024 – The Picton Firefighters’ Association have once again shown their commitment to the health and well-being of our community by making its fourth gift in support of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s (PECMHF) new hospital campaign.

 

The Picton Firefighters’ Association turned up the heat on Tuesday evening when their members presented the PECMHF with a $2,000 gift to Back the Build.

 

This gift brings the Picton Firefighters cumulative giving to $12,000 in support of the campaign.

 

“We’re proud and honoured to help our community by continuing to raise funds that will Back the Build for our new County hospital. Firefighters are known traditionally for giving back to their communities, so we’re keeping that tradition alive and well in Prince Edward County,” said Brendan Bellchamber, president of the Picton Firefighters’ Association.

 

When firefighters put on their bunker gear, they prioritize saving lives—at fire scenes, car accidents, and medical emergencies in the community. And now, they’ve reached out with another donation to build the new hospital.

 

“Whenever they are needed, firefighters will always answer the call. Today, they are answering another call to help us realize our goal of a new hospital in The County,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “We extend special thanks to all of the Picton Firefighters’ Association firefighters for going above and beyond to raise money to support the building of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s future home!”

 

The funds were raised through various activities undertaken by the Picton Firefighters’ Association, including the annual Christmas tree sales held at Station 1 in Picton.

 

Construction of the new hospital is underway. This leading-edge hospital will be the first hospital of its kind in North America, with modern medical equipment, smart technology, and exceptional environmental sustainability enhancements.

 

Based on current timelines, the new hospital will be completed in late 2027. For more information, visit www.pecmhf.ca/back-the-build.

 

Established in 1958, the Picton Firefighters’ Association is a team of 24 full-time and volunteer members. Their fundraising efforts benefit causes such as sports teams, Camp Bucko, a summer camp for young burn survivors, The Roc, Hospice Prince Edward, and kid-friendly activities such as the Picton Easter Egg Hunt. The Association decides as a group how their donations will benefit the community.

 

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.

 

 

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Photo: Pictured at Station 1 in Picton with the Picton Firefighters is Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation.

Photo credit: Dan Claxton

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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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