Pulling Out All the Stops to Back the Build

bboyce • April 4, 2023

PICTON, April 4, 2023 - It was music to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s ears!

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 donation on Tuesday. The funds were raised through a free will offering that was part of St. Mary Magdalene’s “Pulling Out All the Stops” organ concert held on Sunday, March 26.

The concert, part of a series of planned events to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Parish of St. Mary Magdalene, raised $2,345.00 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 the organ, brought the organ pipes to life and wowed a sold-out audience of 230 guests with music from well known movies, Broadway productions and even classic rock tunes.

PECMHF’s Back the Build Campaign aims to raise $6M 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.

“The hospital foundation is privileged to have gifted individuals and dedicated organizations within the community who share their talents and fundraising efforts for the betterment of our community,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “Our County’s generosity is remarkable and the Back the Build team is grateful to Organist Murray Baer, the many volunteers at St. Mary Magdalene, and to the audience members who ‘pulled out all the stops’ and supported this concert through their free will offerings.”

The parishioners of St. Mary Magdalene believe a vibrant hospital is a benchmark of a strong community.

“It’s an privilege to help Back the Build for a new County hospital,” said Herb Stone on behalf of St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church. “St. Mary Magdalene believes in strengthening our community and this concert helped us achieve just that. We were so pleased to be a part of such an incredible event and can’t wait to host another event this July that will help equip our new hospital with major medical equipment.”

The parishioners are looking forward to having Murray back at St. Mary Magdalene on Sunday, July 9, 2023, for another exciting and charming afternoon filled with his music.

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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Pictured at St. Mary Magdalene Church from left: Kathy Condie, warden with St. Mary Magdalene Church; Sally Cowan, Back the Build campaign cabinet member; Murray Baer, organist; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson and Herb Stone, warden with St. Mary Magdalene Church.

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Pounder Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Back the Build and Marine Rescue

March 20, 2026

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.