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.