Pulling Out All The Stops

Pulling Out All The Stops - Again!

bboyce • July 27, 2023

Pulling Out All the Stops to Back the Build…Again!

PICTON, July 27, 2023 - It was music to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s ears…again!

Members of the St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church in Picton and Organist Murray Baer presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with a $2,365 donation on Tuesday. The funds were raised through a free-will offering that was part of St. Mary Magdalene’s second performance of “Pulling Out All the Stops” organ concert held on Sunday, July 9, 2023.

The two concerts, part of a series of planned events to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Parish of St. Mary Magdalene, cumulatively raised $5,812 to help Back the Build for a new hospital in Prince Edward County

Organist Murray Baer, known for filling our County churches with the sound of music, brought the organ pipes to life once again and wowed a sold-out audience of 230 guests with music from well-known movies, Broadway productions, and even classic rock tunes.

“The afternoon was inspiring and moving in so many ways,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “To see so many people come together to support our new hospital was truly extraordinary.”

“My main objective was to see how much fun we could have with a 100-year pipe organ! And I think we accomplished that,” said Baer.

PECMHF’s Back the Build Campaign aims to raise $7M over the next four years to help purchase the major medical equipment needed for the new hospital and incorporate environmental sustainability enhancements and smart technology into the design.

Once built, the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will have a 24-hour emergency department, 23 inpatient beds total, a surgical suite, a dialysis unit, and ambulatory care, and diagnostic imaging equipment that will include the addition of a Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanner for the first time in this hospital’s history. It will also feature a modern design to promote infection prevention and control.

“This donation brings us another step closer to seeing a fabulous new hospital in Prince Edward County,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “Construction is expected to begin as early as July 2024 with a move in date for the new hospital being spring of 2027, we are so grateful to those in the community, such as St. Mary Magdalene and those who attended the concert, who are pulling out all the stops to help Back the Build for our new hospital.”

Built in 1913, St. Mary Magdalene Church is a welcoming, joyful, spiritual and inclusive community passionate about outreach and worship. The parishioners of St. Mary Magdalene believe a vibrant hospital is a benchmark of a strong community.

“St. Mary Magdalene was filled with people who want to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Herb Stone, on behalf of St. Mary Magdalene Church. “Everyone in attendance wanted to sing along with the wonderful songs from so many nostalgic films and performances. We are grateful to Organist Murray Baer for his time, and all the attendees who contributed to our new hospital and had a very enjoyable afternoon.”

The parishioners are looking forward the next fundraiser planned at the church on August 16, a flute and piano concert with proceeds supporting the after-school music program for children.

Those interested in making a donation to Back the Build for our new hospital can do so by visiting www.pecmhf.ca and clicking Donate Now or by sending an e-transfer to scoull@qhc.on.ca. Cheques can also be mailed to PECMH Foundation, 403 Main Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0, and those with further inquires may direct them to 613-476-1008 ext. 4425.

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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Pictured on the front steps of St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church in Picton from left: Kathy Condie and Herb Stone, wardens for St. Mary Magdalene Church; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Murray Baer, organist and Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson.

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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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