Prince Edward District Women’s Institute Backs the Build

bboyce • November 13, 2024

Prince Edward District Women’s Institute shows commitment to new hospital

PICTON, November 12, 2024—They host luncheons and craft and bake sales. They award student bursaries, offer educational programs, and advocate for social and economic change. Their group is small, but together, they make big things happen.

Since its inception in 1908, the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute (PEDWI) has focused its efforts on improving the health and wellness of its neighbourhoods. True to its mission, the Women’s Institute has donated funds raised through its initiatives to local organizations and efforts that benefit many people living in or visiting Prince Edward County.

Today, members of the PEDWI are Backing the Build by supporting the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s (PECMHF) campaign for the new hospital.

PEDWI’s President, Linda Mitchell, and Branch members presented representatives from PECMHF and the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet with a $5,000 gift to the redevelopment campaign to bring a new hospital to Prince Edward County.

The funds were raised through the PEDWI Art & Craft Sale, which the District hosted annually for 40 years (1983-2023).

“PECMHF is deeply committed to providing innovative, exceptional care for everyone in our community, and a new facility will help us do that,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of PECMHF. “Organizations like the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute speak to the importance of community involvement and its impact on the quality of life for those residing and visiting our County. We are so grateful for their support and interest in the future of healthcare delivery in our hospital.”

“The energy these women put into their communities is admirable,” said Back the Build Campaign Chairperson Nancy Parks. “Every time they come together, good things happen around them. This donation brings us closer to seeing a fabulous new hospital built in Prince Edward County.”

With this gift, the group’s cumulative giving to the PECMH Foundation has reached $17,798 over 23 years.

The PEDWI is comprised of six Branches throughout Prince Edward County. There are 61 members in total.

“The PEDWI strives to make a difference in the lives we touch through the work we love--a love of family and community that motivates us to raise funds and volunteer so others may feel the warmth in our hearts,” said Mitchell. “We believe that enhancing health care is a shared responsibility that benefits everyone, and we sincerely hope that this gift inspires others to contribute to the new hospital in their own way.”

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.

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

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise money to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and the patients of the hospital.

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Photo: Members of the PEDWI and PECMHF pose in front of the current hospital.

Photo Credit: Monica Alyea

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Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record PICTON, September 24, 2025 – The sweet smell of success filled the air at the Picton Fair as the 16th annual Bake Off Challenge raised a record-breaking $18,700 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF). With more than 50 entries and enthusiastic bidding, the community once again proved that a passion for baking can translate into life-changing support for local health care. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a digital mammography machine, a critical tool for early breast cancer detection. Since 2007, the Prince Edward Agricultural Society, who host the Bake Off has raised over $64,500 for the hospital. This year’s event included a special one-time memorial apple pie category in honour of the late Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young, who was the inaugural Bake Off winner in 2007 with his unforgettable apple pie. A total of 26 apple pies were entered in his honour, raising an incredible $8,250 on their own. Jim’s parents, Colleen and Murray, and daughters, Dahnon and Kendyl, were present to celebrate his legacy. Entries were judged by Ken Menlove, a local lawyer; Jordan Smart with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary Unit; Mike Roy, a community member; and Chris Malette, MP for Bay of Quinte. The auction produced plenty of highlights. Firefighter Autumn Benlap’s Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake topped the apple pie category and sold to Dr. Sarah Waterston, and Elizabeth Lodge’s Lemon Cream Pie, named best overall pie, sold to Herman Prinzen. “The Bake Off is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community spirit and generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of a new digital mammography machine for the new County hospital, and we are so grateful to every baker, bidder, and volunteer who made that possible.” “The Bake Off has become a highlight of the Picton Fair, and it’s inspiring to see how much it has grown,” said Susan Harrington, president of the Picton Fair Board. “The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze us. Thank you to everyone who baked, bid, or volunteered to make this year such a success.” The Agricultural Society also expressed its gratitude to the many individuals and local businesses who made the event possible. “There’s something truly special about seeing friends, neighbours, and businesses come together over pies and cakes to support health care,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “This event proves that even the simplest of traditions can make a lasting impact on our community.” The Foundation is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Agricultural Society and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to next year’s Picton Fair. 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.