Special Screening of Atomic Reaction Backs the Build

bboyce • January 17, 2025

Special Screening of Atomic Reaction Backs the Build

PICTON, January 10, 2025 – The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) was honoured to be a beneficiary of a special documentary film screening at Picton’s Regent Theatre on November 24, 2024.


Executive producers David Hatch and Bernie Finkelstein presented representatives with the PECMH Foundation, with a donation of $5,696.00, representing the funds raised from screening their feature-length documentary film, Atomic Reaction. Lisa Thompson and RBC Wealth Management and Dominion Securities sponsored the presentation of the film.


The funds raised will Back the Build for the new hospital underway in Prince Edward County.

 

Directed by Michèle Hozer, Atomic Reaction is a compelling documentary that investigates Canada’s significant involvement in the Manhattan Project and its role in the creation of the world’s first weapons of mass destruction and the fallout 75 years later. The film was produced in partnership with CBC’s Documentary Channel.


“The foundation is proud to be the beneficiary of this special screening made possible by these incredibly accomplished County residents,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Prince Edward County is a community that gives back generously by utilizing unique skills and talent. I am constantly amazed by the people who come forward with creative ways to make a huge impact. People like David, Bernie and Michèle make this County a wonderful place to live, work and play. We are also grateful to Lisa Thompson and RBC Wealth Management and Dominion Securities for sponsoring the screening.”


“It was a real privilege to come together with Michèle and Bernie in our hometown theatre to raise funds for our new hospital,” said Hatch.


PECMHF’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information and to lend your support, visit backthebuild.ca.


The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise money to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and the patients of the hospital.

 

Atomic Reaction premiered on CBC GEM on January 10, 2025. More information on Atomic Reaction can be found by visiting https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/why-this-town-in-the-northwest-territories-was-called-the-village-of-widows-1.7362052.

 

 

-30-


Pictured in the lobby of the Regent Theatre in Picton from left: Peggy Payne, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation Board; David Hatch, executive producer of Atomic Reaction; Bernie Finkelstein, executive producer of Atomic Reaction; Sally Cowan, Back the Build campaign cabinet member; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Libby Crombie, Back the Build campaign cabinet member; Janet Cluett, associate at RBC Wealth Management and Dominion Securities; Sherry Tait, secretary on the PECMH Foundation Board; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign cabinet chairperson; Briar Boyce, senior development officer; Lina Rinaldi, chief nursing executive at Quinte Health and John Galway, executive director of the Regent Theatre.

Photo credit : Anne Munro



Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160
October 17, 2025
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is grateful to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 in Wellington for their generous $3,000 grant from the Poppy Fund to support the purchase of a new mammography machine for our new hospital.
Merrial Leslie
October 15, 2025
PECMH Foundation Planned Giving - Merrial Leslie built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community.
September 24, 2025
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. 
Picton Fair Bake Off Honour Deputy Jim Young
August 26, 2025
Picton Fair Bake Off to Honour Deputy Jim Young - Funds raised will support the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
MLP Residence Donates $5,000 to PECMH Foundation's Back the Build Campaign
August 20, 2025
MLP Residence is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation’s Back the Build campaign.
Base31 partners with Quinte Health and PECMH Foundation
August 14, 2025
PECMH Foundation and Quinte Health are pleased to announce a partnership with Picton’s Base31 that ensures air ambulance services are continuing while construction on the new hospital is underway.
How a Daycare Found Wonder in a Hospital Build
August 13, 2025
"My New Hospital” – through little eyes - At the HUB Child & Family Centre, our youngest neighbours have a front-row seat to the action next door — the building of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital!
PECMH Foundation Celebrates Record-breaking Fundraising Year
By Tanya Moore July 4, 2025
PECMH Foundation Celebrates Record-breaking Fundraising Year - The PECMH Foundation reported that the community stepped forward to help raise over $6.2 million in the 2024/25 fiscal year ending on March 31.
Mass Timber Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital
By Tanya Moore July 2, 2025
Mass Timber Construction Takes Centre Stage in New Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Build
Monica Alyea Receives the 2025 Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award
By Tanya Moore June 27, 2025
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to announce Monica Alyea as the 2025 recipient of the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award (LFDSA). PECMH Foundation former Board Member Leo Finnegan, and Executive Director Shannon Coull, presented this year’s award.
Show More