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.