Wellington Rotary’s Roaring ’20s Fundraiser Strengthens PECM Hospital Foundation with Nearly $7,000 Gift

December 22, 2025

From left: PECMH Foundation Executive Director Shannon Coull, Back the Build campaign cabinet chairperson Nancy Parks, Wellington Rotary Treasurer Bill Pennell, Wellington Rotary President Yvonne Buys, and Wellington Rotarian Trudy Brown.

The Rotary Club of Wellington has continued its longstanding commitment to enhancing local health care with the success of its annual Dinner, Dance & Auction held on October 18, 2025.

This year’s event generated $13,877.30 in net proceeds, with $6,938.65 directed to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation in support of the new hospital build. An equal amount was contributed to the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank.

Guests who attended the Fundraiser, enjoyed a buffet dinner prepared by Chef Michael Hoy and danced to live music by The Reasons, all while bidding on auction prizes.

“Wellington Rotary’s enduring commitment to our hospital continues to shape the quality of care available to the people of Prince Edward County,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Their support strengthens health care today while helping us build the hospital our community deserves for the future. We are deeply grateful to the Rotarians and to everyone who participated in this year’s event.”

For more than 14 years, the Rotary Club of Wellington has been one of PECMH Foundation’s most dedicated philanthropic partners. Through community-powered fundraising initiatives—ranging from maple syrup sales and bottle depot proceeds to annual dinners, dances and auctions, the club has contributed more than $600,000 to strengthen health care close to home.

Their generosity has helped fund essential medical equipment for the current hospital, including an ECG machine, a ventilator, and an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor for sterilizing scoping equipment. Ensuring safe, high-quality care for patients. Wellington Rotary’s leadership has also played a significant role in advancing the new hospital project. In recognition of this remarkable support, the waiting area of the future Emergency Department will be dedicated in honour of the Rotary Club of Wellington and the donors who contributed to its fundraising efforts.

“The generosity of our members, volunteers and supporters reflects the heart of our community,” said Yvonne Buys, president of the Rotary Club of Wellington. “We are proud to continue our tradition of supporting PECMHF and helping strengthen health care for residents and visitors of Prince Edward County.”

To learn more about Rotary’s impact on PECMH, click here.

PECMHF’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M in support of Quinte Health to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information and to lend your support, visit www.pecmhf.ca/back-the-build.

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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.