Round Up at the Register enters 5th year

bboyce • August 15, 2024

Round Up at the Register is Back at Picton Metro

In-store fundraiser enters fifth year

PICTON, August 15, 2024 – Next week, when you visit Picton Metro, you may be asked if you want to donate to a worthy cause in the community.

For the fifth year, the Metro store in Picton will launch a two-week fundraising initiative to help the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) raise funds for the new hospital in Prince Edward County. From Thursday, August 22, until Wednesday, September 4, Metro will ask customers to donate $2 at the cash register to Back the Build.

Last year, the store raised a record-breaking $15,043 for the new hospital campaign. The four-year cumulative total through this fundraiser is over $65,000.

“We could not achieve our goal of building a new, well-equipped hospital for the residents and visitors of Prince Edward County without support from the community and strong corporate partners like Metro,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This initiative will support the future of health care delivery in our community by helping us raise the $7M we need to equip our new hospital with major medical equipment, such as purchasing a CT Scanner for the first time in our hospital’s history. We are honoured to have the continued support of the hard-working staff and loyal customers at Metro in Picton.”

Metro has been a dedicated partner through this special fundraiser, which engages residents and visitors to Prince Edward County.

“Metro is proud to partner with the foundation for a fifth year,” said Murray Lupenette, store manager of Picton Metro. I am confident that the store employees and our generous customers will come together and exceed expectations again this year. We know firsthand that our employees feel connected to their community, and they remain committed to Backing the Build for our new County hospital.”

As part of this year’s fundraiser, Metro plans to host a barbecue in the store’s parking lot on Saturday, September 7. The proceeds from the barbecue will be included in this year’s result.

“Metro continues to shine in Backing the Build for our new hospital. This initiative of giving at the cash register enables shoppers to contribute to our new hospital even when it’s a couple of dollars. Thank you to everyone who works at or shops at Metro for your continued support and enthusiasm. Metro is an incredible leader in our community,” said Nancy Parks, chairperson of the Back the Build campaign.

“Metro’s employees are passionate and care about this community. The end of summer is a busy time for everyone as we gear up for fall and head back to school, and it’s amazing to see the staff come together and passionately raise funds for our hospital,” said Lupenette.

The new hospital will be the first of its kind in North America and will be equipped with cutting-edge infection control and ventilation, wider halls for modern medical equipment, and enhanced facilities for patient comfort. For more information, visit www.pecmhf.ca.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital.

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Photo: Pictured at the Picton Metro store from left: Paul Jones, Metro’s assistant manager; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson; Briar Boyce, senior development officer with PECMHF; Sally Cowan, Back the Build campaign cabinet member and Murray Lupenette, Metro’s store manager.

Submitted photo

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Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record PICTON, September 24, 2025 – The sweet smell of success filled the air at the Picton Fair as the 16th annual Bake Off Challenge raised a record-breaking $18,700 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF). With more than 50 entries and enthusiastic bidding, the community once again proved that a passion for baking can translate into life-changing support for local health care. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a digital mammography machine, a critical tool for early breast cancer detection. Since 2007, the Prince Edward Agricultural Society, who host the Bake Off has raised over $64,500 for the hospital. This year’s event included a special one-time memorial apple pie category in honour of the late Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young, who was the inaugural Bake Off winner in 2007 with his unforgettable apple pie. A total of 26 apple pies were entered in his honour, raising an incredible $8,250 on their own. Jim’s parents, Colleen and Murray, and daughters, Dahnon and Kendyl, were present to celebrate his legacy. Entries were judged by Ken Menlove, a local lawyer; Jordan Smart with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary Unit; Mike Roy, a community member; and Chris Malette, MP for Bay of Quinte. The auction produced plenty of highlights. Firefighter Autumn Benlap’s Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake topped the apple pie category and sold to Dr. Sarah Waterston, and Elizabeth Lodge’s Lemon Cream Pie, named best overall pie, sold to Herman Prinzen. “The Bake Off is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community spirit and generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of a new digital mammography machine for the new County hospital, and we are so grateful to every baker, bidder, and volunteer who made that possible.” “The Bake Off has become a highlight of the Picton Fair, and it’s inspiring to see how much it has grown,” said Susan Harrington, president of the Picton Fair Board. “The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze us. Thank you to everyone who baked, bid, or volunteered to make this year such a success.” The Agricultural Society also expressed its gratitude to the many individuals and local businesses who made the event possible. “There’s something truly special about seeing friends, neighbours, and businesses come together over pies and cakes to support health care,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “This event proves that even the simplest of traditions can make a lasting impact on our community.” The Foundation is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Agricultural Society and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to next year’s Picton Fair. 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.