Picton Legion Donates $10K to Support Purchase of New Mammography Machine

January 8, 2026

 The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is grateful to receive a $10K donation from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 Poppy Fund, supporting the Foundation’s campaign to replace the hospital’s aging digital mammography machine.



The contribution will help advance the purchase of a new, state-of-the-art mammography unit for the new PECMH. The equipment will provide clearer imaging, faster results, lower radiation exposure, and improved accuracy, all critical benefits for early breast cancer detection.


“Early detection saves lives, and this generous gift from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 brings us one step closer to ensuring our community has access to the best possible breast screening technology,” said Shannon Coull, CFRE, Executive Director of the PECMH Foundation. “The Legion has been a steadfast supporter of our hospital for many years, and we are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to the health and wellbeing of veterans and all residents of Prince Edward County.”


The new mammography machine will replace equipment that is more than a decade old and will serve thousands of patients each year. Many of those patients are veterans, veterans’ spouses, and family members who rely on local access to high-quality diagnostic care.


“The Poppy Fund exists to support veterans and their families, and that includes access to essential health care close to home,” said Tom McCaw, Poppy Fund Chairperson, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78. “We are proud to support the hospital foundation and contribute to equipment that will make a real difference for people in our community.”


Since 2001, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 has provided more than $45K from 23 gifts, in support to the PECMH Foundation, helping fund critical medical equipment and services. This latest donation continues a long-standing partnership rooted in care, respect, and community service.


The purchase of a new digital mammography machine is a key priority for PECMH Foundation and will be a cornerstone diagnostic service at the new hospital, benefiting patients across Prince Edward County and the broader Quinte region. The new machine will cost $1M, of which $646K has been raised to date.


PECMHF’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M in support of Quinte Health to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information and to lend your support, visit www.pecmhf.ca/back-the-build


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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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