Wellington Elks invest in hospital

bboyce • November 23, 2023

Wellington Elks invest in hospital

PICTON, November 22, 2023 - Wellington Elks Lodge #566 members continue to invest in healthcare delivery in Prince Edward County.

Dave Bowden, president of the Wellington Elks, presented Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with a $1,000 gift on November 22, 2023. The funds were raised through dinners the Elks hosted over the past year.

“The Elks Members thank all those who continue to support our events. Ongoing attendance at our dinners has helped us to raise these funds. The Lodge is proud to be able to give back to our community, including this gift to our local hospital,” said Bowden. “It is important to keep our current hospital well-equipped as anyone could have occasion to need these services. The Elks look forward to seeing a new hospital one day, but, in the meantime, we must maintain the current hospital.”

“The Elks support many community causes, and the hospital foundation is grateful for being included in their funding initiatives over the past 22 years,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “We are also pleased to share that the Wellington Elks have invested over $10,000 in our hospital with this gift.”

Coull emphasized how important it is for communities to help fund their local hospitals, as the government does not fund medical equipment purchases.

“We can’t equip the hospital with leading-edge equipment or realize our dream of building a new hospital without our donors. The foundation plays a critical role in providing funding for essential, specialized equipment and redevelopment. Donor dollars go a long way towards improving care for residents in our community who need treatment close to home,” she said. “We are so grateful to live in this generous community, which ensures we have a vibrant hospital, soon to be rebuilt, and equipped with the best medical equipment possible.”

Your donations help buy medical equipment for YOUR hospital here in The County. Consider giving a gift to PECMHF’s Back the Build campaign and have it matched by the Auxiliary by visiting www.pecmhf.ca or calling 613-476-1008 ext. 4502.

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.

-30-

Pictured at the front of PECM Hospital from left is Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation; Dave Bowden, president of the Wellington Elks and Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Gay Lea Foundation Invests $21,000 in Mammography Campaign at PECMH

By bboyce • June 4, 2026

Gay Lea Foundation Invests $21,000 in Mammography Campaign at PECMH

PECMH Auxiliary Raises Funds for New Echocardiogram Unit to Enhance Cardiac Care

By bboyce • May 29, 2026

PECMH Auxiliary Raises Funds for New Echocardiogram Unit to Enhance Cardiac Care - Investing in the Future of Health Care Delivery at our Hospital

Jim Cuddy and Friends - photo by Christine Reid Photography

Community Raises $577,000 Net at Sold-Out Evening with Jim Cuddy

By bboyce • May 11, 2026

Community Raises $577,000 at Sold-Out Evening with Jim Cuddy

Members of the Rock for a Reason organizing committee present 26,000 to PECMH Foundation.

Rock for a Reason Raises $26,000 for Mammography Equipment at PECMH

By bboyce • April 30, 2026

Rock for a Reason Raises $26,000 for Mammography Equipment at PECMH

Pounder Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Back the Build and Marine Rescue

March 20, 2026

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1. Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.