‘Tis the season for reflecting on all the things for which we are grateful. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, family, friends, health and happiness appropriately top the list for many of us.

Our foundation is thankful to those who have a passion for our hospital. One community organization in particular really stands out and is worthy of some overdue appreciation from our team.

99.3 County FM.

Since the first broadcast hit the airwaves in October 2014, 99.3 County FM has played a crucial role in delivering entertainment and up-to-the-minute news with a County-first approach to listeners, not only in The County, but around the world.

The not-for-profit radio station is supported by a dynamic network of volunteers and a few paid staff members who oversee on-air activities as well as back of house duties like studio management, administration and fundraising.

These people are from all backgrounds and are the core of the station’s success. One volunteer and sales rep in particular who always keeps our hospital top of mind with listeners is Ian Batt.

Ian sells ad space for 99.3 County FM. He has secured over 30 in-kind sponsorships from local businesses for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) since 2018.

It is always a pleasure to be on the receiving end of a cheerful call from Ian, confirming another sponsor…or if we’ve been quiet for a while, proactively reminding us to submit a refreshed ad script. He works tirelessly to ensure PECMHF meets our objectives and we are grateful for the partnership we have. We have been able to share important news about our fundraising efforts in support of our hospital because of the sponsorships Ian continues to secure for us.

Having access to sponsored ads helps to ensure that more donor dollars can go directly to purchasing medical equipment and advancing healthcare delivery for our patients and community.

While 99.3 County FM is the ‘Voice of The County’, Shannon Coull is the voice of our foundation. She loves to visit the station and is always greeted by the energetic team including the station’s General Manager, Craig Mills.

When you hear Shannon on the radio promoting the activities of the foundation, magic happens in the studio to bring her voice to life. Our team produces the initial script, then sends it along to 99.3’s Creative Director, Dave Wheatley, who is a wordsmithing wizard. Literally. He condenses our narrative into a 30-second spot and adds uplifting music in the background. We often receive a copy of the recording before Shannon arrives back to the office from the studio. It’s an amazing (and efficient) process to be part of.

We feel fortunate when an invitation is extended to appear on The Grapevine or another one of 99.3’s programs. And we will never pass on an opportunity to join JJ Johnston on the Monday Morning Drive for a laugh…or two.

The hospital foundation is thankful to the dedicated volunteers and staff members at 99.3 who devote so much energy to helping us advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County. The team is positive, collaborative, and supportive, and they are eager to partner with us to promote events and share our accomplishments. We are indebted to the station and to all the local businesses who purchase advertising.

Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is everyone’s community hospital. It’s here to serve you and your loved ones for now and for years to come. Through 99.3’s support of our foundation, we are able to further our reach in the community by working together and that’s a great feeling!

Prince Edward County may not be very large, but the generosity in this community is exceptional.

If you are interested in learning more about 99.3 County FM, attending their Homegrown concert on October 12, or would like to make a gift to celebrate eight great years on the air, visit www.993countyfm.ca.

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