TRENTON, November 9, 2022 - Betsy Sinclair and her now late husband Arthur were passionate about helping others, and advocating for the future of their local Prince Edward County Memorial (PECMH). 

Art and Betsy moved to Wellington in 2005. They were introduced to the Rotary Club of Wellington soon after by an old friend who invited them to their breakfast. Art went right to work, volunteering for the Club and was heavily involved in Rotary’s beach projects. He served as Club President in 2011/12. 

Art’s health began to deteriorate, resulting in him having to visit PECMH on many occasions. Art visited the hospital so often that he was on a first name basis with many of the staff members. He took a keen interest in learning about them and their families. 

“He always remarked about the personal and compassionate care he received as a patient,” said Betsy. “The caregivers at PECMH always made Art feel comfortable and he knew everything that could be done, was being done.” 

Art passed away in June 2019 in our County hospital. Supporting a healthy future for PECMH had always been our goal and when donating through the Rotary Club of Wellington became an initiative, a $50,000 gift was made to the Back the Build campaign in Arthur’s memory. 

“Quite often we hear stories from those who have received exceptional care in our hospital, like Art did, and these stories are so heartwarming and reinforce the importance of having access to a hospital in our community.” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “We are extremely grateful for Betsy’s support and interest in the future of our hospital and for honouring the memory of Art in this impactful way.” 

Earlier this year, PECMHF announced Wellington Rotary had fulfilled their $400,000 pledge to the Back the Build campaign, and even surpassed it by raising $409,000.

Steadfast support for access to healthcare services in PEC has always been something the Sinclair’s valued. They both invested their time, expertise and financial support in alignment with PECMHF’s mission to advance healthcare for the patients of the hospital and people of Prince Edward County. This contribution is a meaningful way of paying tribute to Art’s service to Rotary. 

The couple were also involved with the non-profit community advocacy group POOCH (Patrons of Our County Hospital) that formed in 2012 who acted as watchdogs in the community to protect, improve services and promote PECMH. The volunteers kept a vigilant eye on and advocated for hospital services in Prince Edward County. 

POOCH stepped back from their advocacy role in 2019 – the same year Art passed away. 

“Every interaction with Art’s care team and the hospital staff was filled with kindness and compassion,” said Betsy. “I will always be grateful for the care he received and that is why I decided to Back the Build, so other families can experience the same level of kind-heartedness and have access to care, close to home, in their loved one’s time of need.” 

This gift will name a patient room in the new hospital’s Emergency Department. 

“Betsy’s commitment to improving how healthcare is delivered in Prince Edward County and her partnership with the Rotary Club of Wellington speaks to the importance of community involvement and the impact that it has,” said Coull. 

“Today we celebrate Betsy and Art’s philanthropy and we thank Betsy for this gift facilitated by Wellington Rotary to our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “Betsy and Art have gone above and beyond to help ensure the new QHC PECMH continues to be one of the best rural hospitals in Ontario.” 

“I want to ensure there is a piece of Arthur in our new hospital,” said Betsy. “This community has supported a hospital since 1919 and the hospital gives back with its love and care. This community will love their new hospital just as it has the current one.” 

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County. 

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Pictured from left at the Carousel Canada Equine Riding Centre where Betsy keeps her horse in Trenton is Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; King Arthur, thoroughbred; Betsy Sinclair; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chairperson and David Smith, past president of the Rotary Club of Wellington Foundation.