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.