Volunteering – Becoming Part of the Fabric of The County

April 28, 2025

Volunteer Spotlight: R. John Garside

I arrived in Prince Edward County on May 23, 2013, and began restoring my Picton home that very same day. But as much as I was focused on settling in, I was equally eager to become part of the local community. Hoping to find volunteer opportunities aligned with my interests in Toronto, I soon joined two organizations that felt like a natural fit: the local horticultural society and the Prince Edward chapter of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. Evenings quickly became filled with volunteer work—handling administrative tasks and serving on their boards.

At the Picton Fair, I stumbled upon the Prince Edward 4-H Association Milkshake Booth. Something about it drew me in. With a brochure and a spark of curiosity, I began a new chapter as a 4-H volunteer and board member. Combined with my other commitments, I began to truly feel rooted in The County, continually inspired by the passion and energy of every group I worked with.

In January 2018, my wife Ann joined me in retirement and moved to The County. She quickly immersed herself in the local crafts scene, but her background in business and accounting didn’t go unnoticed. Before long, she was invited to join the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation’s Board of Directors, a role she embraced wholeheartedly.

After some time, Ann noticed that the Foundation’s small but incredibly dedicated staff often needed an extra hand, particularly with their Canada Post mailings. One evening, she asked if I might consider helping, given my experience with print production and mailing logistics from my career in Toronto. I was intrigued, and within a few weeks, I found myself assisting with their mailings.

As the mailings became more complex over time, I welcomed the challenge. Working with the Foundation team was always rewarding. The mailings often came during especially busy periods, and I felt proud knowing I could ease the load by meaningfully applying my expertise. Each time a mailing project comes up, I’m eager to pitch in, confident in the support of the Foundation staff and gratified by the knowledge that my contribution truly makes a difference.

Volunteering with the Foundation has been incredibly fulfilling—not just for the personal satisfaction it brings but also for the opportunity it gives me to give back to the Prince Edward County community that I now proudly call home.

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Partners in Pink Golf Tournament a Swinging Success

October 28, 2025

The inaugural Partners in Pink Golf Tournament, held on October 9, was a swinging success, raising just over $64,000

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 Supports Mammography Campaign

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.

Leaving a Legacy of Care for Generations to Come

October 15, 2025

PECMH Foundation Planned Giving - Merrial Leslie built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community.

Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record

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.