Welcome 2023

bboyce • January 13, 2023

Welcome 2023

By Briar Boyce

The beginning of a new calendar year brings a time for reflection, a time to review achievements, celebrate jobs well done, and set goals for the year ahead.

 

What we do would not be possible without you: our donors and stakeholders, and your vested interest in our local healthcare system. By providing the Care Champions working at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) with equipment, and investing in our new hospital, we are ensuring our medical professionals have the tools they need to do their jobs in a modern facility - and reduce a bit of stress in their lives by showing that we care.

 

Several words come to mind when reflecting on the past year; pride, accomplishment, strive, overcome, achievement, strength, resilience, patience, empathy, success, commitment, meaning and gratitude.

 

You have no doubt heard in the media of the healthcare situation – increased wait times, physician shortages, staff burnout. These are very challenging times and PECMH is no exception. In many ways, we are going through an unprecedented time, together, with the lingering effects of the pandemic putting pressure on our economy and healthcare system. I am hopeful that relief from these challenges is on the horizon, and look back on 2022 with enormous gratitude for this community and for our donors. You have helped see us through.

 

These turbulent times have brought out the best in many people. The hospital foundation has benefited directly from the generosity that has proven to be a fundamental part of this community. People have opened their hearts and given everything they can of their time, their support and their funds.

 

As we enter a new year, we can’t help but reflect on the contributions that you, the caring donor, have allowed the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) to make to support healthcare in our community.

 

In 2022 alone, thanks to our donor’s resounding support, we’ve been able to:

-       Launch the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award, naming Leo Finnegan as the first recipient

-       Celebrate that $20.7M has been raised for the new hospital build, surpassing the original $16.5M goal

-       Announce a new target of $27M for the Back the Build campaign

-       Enjoy philanthropic partnerships with individuals, businesses, service groups and community organizations such as Rotary Clubs of Picton and Wellington, the Kinsmen Club, Eastern Star, Agricultural Society, the Korean-Canadian Community of Great Eastern Ontario, Metro, Tim Hortons, and countless others who are working together to advance health care in our community through their giving

-       With the support of a generous $150,000 matching gift from the PECMH Auxiliary, our community is rising to the challenge and are helping us secure almost $600,000 towards the purchase of a new x-ray machine. The matching gift incentive with the Auxiliary is underway until January 31, 2023 and we look forward to sharing the results with you soon


Saying thank you doesn’t go far enough, and I hope you feel the sincerity, coming from the PECMH Foundation, from the Care Champions and caregivers whose work donors make possible through their financial support, and from the patients and families the hospital serves.

 

As we look back on 2022, we are grateful for a year that can also be remembered as a year filled with hope, energy, and impact —all of which supporters like you helped make possible. The transformational contributions from our donor community continues to improve healthcare for the patients of our hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.


We can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store!


For information about our hospital, or to make a donation call 613-476-1008 ext. 4425, or visit the foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.



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
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
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