National Volunteer Week, recognized from April 16-22, 2023, celebrates the contributions of Canada’s millions of volunteers: their actions, their understanding, and their genuine concern for the world around them.

The National Volunteer Week theme for 2023 is Volunteering Weaves Us Together. This provides me with an opportunity to reflect on the many ways volunteers contribute to the fabric of our community through their support for our County hospital.

Over the Easter weekend, you may have enjoyed the annual Waterfalls Tour hosted by the Rotary Club of Picton. This event was open to all in exchange for a donation. This year’s proceeds supported Picton Rotary’s Ukraine relief efforts and Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s (PECMHF) Back the Build campaign for the new hospital. This entire initiative was undertaken by a dedicated team of volunteers and we are so grateful.

Another group of volunteers in action are those with our local Legion branches. Over the last 20 years, PECMHF has been the recipient of over $131,000, which came largely through proceeds from poppy sales from our three local Legion branches and grants from Provincial Command. That’s a lot of poppies – sold by a lot of volunteers!

Special event volunteers, such as those with the Prince Edward Curling Club who recently hosted a 24-hour Curl-A-Thon are ensuring our new hospital will have the tools and devices required to take care of our residents, our visitors, our family, and friends.

A special shout out goes to the lively volunteers with the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. During our 2022/23 fiscal year, the Auxiliary helped fund eight essential pieces of medical equipment for our hospital. They also contributed a match donation of $150,000 towards our new x-ray machine. Most of these funds were raised by volunteers working in the Second Time Around Shop or who volunteered with the Festival of Trees.

The volunteers mentioned above (and countless others) demonstrate their commitment to local health care by supporting the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF), and other worthy causes through various fundraising initiatives all year long.

Volunteerism is absolutely woven into the fabric of the work we do…keeping us connected to our community. To be surrounded by the generosity of volunteers is something to be cherished. How truly fortunate we are to be the recipient of such kindness and goodwill. Thank you to all the volunteers who enrich us through our shared connection – the hospital.

We are also thankful for our foundation’s board of directors and campaign cabinet. Thank you for all YOU do! These volunteers choose to allocate their time and resources to help keep our hospital strong. Our team is grateful to work with such a committed group of people.

Our County’s volunteers are building a community where people feel happier, healthier, more welcome, and are creating a strong, more connected place to call home. Thank you to each and every single volunteer who helps us achieve our mission for partnering with us to help ensure the future of our hospital remains bright.

For information about our hospital, or to make a donation call 613-476-1008 ext. 4507, or visit the foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.