Raised vs Received – There’s a big difference!

December 14, 2023

By Shannon Coull, CFRE

Executive Director

I apologize in advance for the technical tone of this column, but some of you have asked, so here it is...

Before beginning, however, I must take this opportunity to thank our community of supporters. You are the champions who make our work possible. The funds you are helping to raise have a direct impact on the future of healthcare in our community. You help to ensure Quinte Health can purchase the medical equipment needed at our hospital because medical equipment is not paid for by the government. And you are helping to build our new hospital in Prince Edward County.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation has been providing regular updates on how much our organization has raised toward our $27M goal. What we haven’t shared with you is how much in cash gifts our organization has received.

Here’s a brief lesson in fundraising terminology:

Raised refers to any money that an organization has raised as a commitment, received or not, towards a donation. It includes pledges, a promised commitment, as well as gifts that have already been received and receipted.

As per the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Program, a pledge is a signed and dated commitment to make a gift over a specified period, generally two or more years, payable according to terms set by the donor, with scheduled monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payments.

Received are the funds we refer to that have been released by the donor to our organization and are receipted.

Pledges are important to a charitable organization because they give the donor the ability to make a larger contribution, which can be paid in installments, often over several years.

Many donors to the Back the Build campaign began pledges in 2019 and have been paying off their pledges over the past five years. For example, two organizations have completed their pledges this week: the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, which just celebrated with us the completion of their $1M gift, and the Rotary Club of Picton, which presented the foundation with a $32,000 cheque, representing their final installment towards their $100,000 pledge.

The gift from the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation is helping to build the new dialysis department that will be located on the second floor of the new hospital. In recognition of this gift, the unit will be called the Paul B. Helliwell Satellite Haemodialysis Department.

Paul Helliwell was born in China to missionary parents. His parents helped shape him into becoming the humanitarian that he was. He was also an entrepreneur, a visionary, an avid sailor, a beloved husband, and a brother who strongly believed in giving back. Paul was a true philanthropist, leaving the bulk of his estate to his foundation to help worthy causes, like our new hospital in PEC.

The Rotary Club of Picton has supported our hospital foundation for 21 years. The large procedure room that will be located on the main floor in the Ambulatory Clinic in the new hospital will be named in recognition of their commitment.

I am pleased to report that we have raised $21M, which includes pledges and outright gifts, including $15M in cash gifts from our community of donors. By 2027, all the funds we need to raise in our community -- $27 million -- should be received by the foundation.

A request for proposals (RFP) to build the new hospital has been issued to four prequalified companies. Once submissions are received, Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Quinte Health will evaluate the proposals, select a preferred company, and negotiate a final contract. The successful company is expected to be announced in the spring of 2024. Shovels are expected to be in the ground this coming summer, 2024.

IO has launched a page on their website dedicated to our project, where you can find detailed information regarding the plans for the hospital: https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/what-we-do/projectssearch/quinte-health-care--prince-edward-county-memorial-hospital-site-redevelopment-project/

Regardless of the amount, every gift makes a difference. As we approach the holidays and the end of 2023, I wish all of you living in our beautiful County a safe holiday filled with peace and joy.

For information about our hospital or to donate, call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502 or visit the foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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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.