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.

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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

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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.