PICTON, June 27, 2024 – A local service club has fulfilled its commitment to helping to fund a ventilator for our County hospital and is continuing to invest in the new hospital.

In another sweet gesture of support for the hospital, the Rotary Club of Wellington has completed a commitment with the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) to fund the balance of the purchase of a transport ventilator needed in the Emergency Department at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH). The Club also continues to Back the Build for our new County hospital.

Representatives from Wellington Rotary presented PECMHF with $29,095 in a presentation at Wellings of Picton. The donation comprised $10,787.28 for the ventilator and $18,308 for the fundraising efforts for the new hospital. Funds for the ventilator were raised during the spring season by selling Rotary-branded maple syrup. Funds for Back the Build were donated by individual donors, including the Nicholson Island Club, which donated $15,000 through the Rotary Club of Wellington Foundation. The Nicholson Island Club is a private hunt club that has existed for about 50 years on an island off Huyck’s Point Road.

In June 2023, the foundation received partial funding from the Stark Family Fund to purchase one ventilator. The Rotary Club of Wellington has funded the balance, approximately $22,000. One ventilator is estimated to cost over $56,000.

“The foundation raises funds so our hospital can purchase essential equipment not covered by provincial health care funding. Having the right technology close to home in Prince Edward County improves diagnosis and length of treatments by giving our Care Champions the tools they need to save lives,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Without community fundraising, our hospital would not have the financial means to purchase devices like this transport monitor.”

“Wellington Rotary remains committed to keeping our hospital well-equipped for everyone in our community for years to come,” said Lyn McGowan, outgoing president of the Rotary Club of Wellington. “We are very pleased that these contributions will help provide care to those who need it most across the Quinte region in our current hospital and contribute to building our new hospital. Wellington Rotary is proud to support the dedicated staff working daily to care for people in our community and is honoured to invest in a leading-edge facility.”

“Having this transport ventilator allows Quinte Health’s staff timely access to equipment, particularly when a patient requires ventilation right away,” said Lisa Mowbray, hospital site lead and manager of patient services at PECMH. “These ventilators support all patient populations, from neonates to adults. No matter where the patient is or where they need to go, the ventilator will stay by their side, providing continuous support in the emergency department or any transport situation in or outside the hospital.” 

“Fundraising and philanthropy have an incredible impact on the care we can provide at PECMH,” said Coull. “Donors fund every piece of medical equipment the foundation purchases. Our Care Champions need these tools to provide comfort and care for the hospital’s patients. We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Wellington for keeping care close to home, which is one of the benefits of living in this great community.”

The waiting area in the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Emergency Department will be named to recognize Wellington Rotary’s fundraising efforts, which were made possible by the community’s generous support. The Rotary Club of Wellington has contributed $444,120.42 to the foundation’s Back the Build campaign.

“Service Clubs such as Rotary play a significant role as they help to shape how health care will be delivered in our community for years to come. Our new hospital will be built so those needing medical attention in our community will continue to receive the best care possible in a brand-new facility thanks partly to Wellington Rotary,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “We thank the Rotary Club of Wellington for their steadfast and continued leadership and investment in our new hospital.”

The Rotary Club of Wellington is celebrating its 22nd anniversary in 2024. It is a vibrant club of approximately 40 members recognized as enthusiastic Prince Edward County community supporters. They can be counted on for charity and volunteering service above self, locally and internationally. 

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. 

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