Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders Back the Build

bboyce • June 15, 2023

Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders Back the Build

The Prince Edward Side-by-Side (SxS) and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders recently made a $3,160 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF).

On June 3, 2023, 120 people on 57 machines took in the pretty views, fresh air, and adventure of The County’s Millennium Trail while raising funds to Back the Build for our new County hospital through a poker run. An additional $1,377 that was donated to the Municipality of Prince Edward County for upkeep of the Millennium Trail.

Launching from the Prince Edward Community Centre in Picton, riders travelled west along the Millennium Trail to Carrying Place and back. For $40.00, riders purchased and collected cards along the way.

The Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders were inspired to support the building of a new hospital as it will benefit everyone in the community.

“On behalf of the foundation and the Campaign Cabinet, I would like to thank those who participated in this inaugural poker run. Your support makes a big difference and helps us get one step closer to making our new hospital a reality,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “Third-party fundraising events, like this one hosted by the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders is a shining example of how community organizations can turn good fun into big impact.”

Members of the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders took part in this inaugural event for several reasons. In addition to spending the day outdoors, there was camaraderie, food, and great fun. There was also a good deal of generosity.

Events like this poker run are becoming common in communities around the province. They improve tourism, bring spending into the communities involved, raise awareness of the responsible aspects of ATV ownership and riding, and help attract new members.

“Because our area is so rural, an ATV Poker Run is a fundraiser we thought many people would enjoy,” said Rick Insley, event organizer on behalf of the volunteers. “The Millennium Trail is over 40km long, and the ride gave riders an opportunity to go out and enjoy the beauty of our County. We would like to thank the participants of the event who enjoyed such a beautiful day with good friends old and new. Thank you to everyone for your contributions that will Back the Build for our new hospital and help with the Millennium Trail’s upkeep.

Plans for a second annual poker run are in the works. Details will become available on the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders Facebook page at @PrinceEdwardSxS/ATV Riders.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.

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Photo: Pictured at the Millennium Trail entrance off Lake Street in Picton from left: Brad Thompson and Rick Insley with the Prince Edward SxS/ATV Riders; Mayor Steve Ferguson; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson and Pat Maloney on behalf of the Millennium Trail.

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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.