Representing Prince Edward County from left to right are councillor Dianne O’Brien, Mayor Robert Quaiff, councillors Steve Ferguson and Janice Daynard. Monica Alyea, Chair of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation. (Photo/submitted)
It’s a tribute growing in generosity.
At the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s annual donor wall update on Wednesday, the Foundation was privileged to unveil 176 commemorations.
One of the honourees were the citizens of Prince Edward County. The municipality of Prince Edward County was honoured for their cumulative gifts tallying $106,791.50 accelerating them to the Grand Patron level. Prince Edward County Mayor Robert Quaiff was present to give remarks and view the plaque on behalf of the County.
“This unveiling ceremony is an event that honours generous contributions,” said Monica Alyea, chairperson of the PECM Hospital Foundation. “This is also a celebration of the accomplishment of a community that works together to respond to the needs of our doctors, nurses and technologists for state-of-the-art equipment close to home in Prince Edward County.”
The Foundation continues to recognize the many individuals, corporations and community organizations that have been supporting our ongoing fundraising efforts that fund priority medical equipment purchases at PECMH and help get us closer to a new hospital in Prince Edward County.
Last year’s gifts from donors in the community were used to purchase equipment at PECMH through the Foundation’s ongoing fundraising activities. Equipment purchased for the County hospital included colonoscopes, gastroscopes, and updated heart monitoring equipment used in the Emergency Department. Fundraising also continues for the proposal to build a new hospital in PEC and we expect to receive Stage Two approval in early 2019.
Medical equipment is expensive and has a short lifespan. Unlike many operating costs, equipment is not funded by the government; it is expected the community finances the replacement of medical equipment and building redevelopment through the work of hospital Foundations. This is why support from our donors is so important.
“The enduring and tireless support of our donors for Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is inspiring. Every year our donor family steps forward with gifts that makes it possible to replace critically needed medical equipment and this year’s donor wall update is exceptional. I am honoured to be able to thank so many people who are being celebrated here today,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the Foundation.
Wednesday’s reception celebrated new donors and those who have moved up a giving level. Fifty-six plaques were unveiled on the physical wall and 120 names added to the screen for a total of 176 additions – the Foundation’s biggest update since the wall was unveiled in 2011.
Of note, Tim Hortons (Picton and Wellington) upgraded their giving level from the Patron to Benefactor level for cumulative gifts now totaling $29,352.20. The Wellington on the Lake Woodcrafters, CIBC Mobile Mortgage Advisors and the Wellington Elks Lodge are making a first time appearance on the wall alongside a plaque placed in memory of Charles and Effie Storms. This plaque was donated by their daughter, Mildred (Storms) Fraser of Picton and is restricted to the new hospital campaign.
The wall, which pays homage to the geographic beauty of Prince Edward County, is a lasting way to say thank you to all donors who have given a total of $5,000 or more to the PECMH Foundation. Donors who have cumulatively given between $1,000 and $4,999 since 1999 are recognized on the LED screen built into the wall.
Plaques may be in the names of individuals, families, service organizations or companies. Plaques may also be made in honour of an individual. The donor wall is a lasting legacy and expression of loyalty toward our County hospital, its staff and volunteers.
