A Curl-A-Thon for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) was a sweeping success.
On Tuesday, members from the Prince Edward Curling Club presented $51,103.90 to the Back the Build campaign for a new hospital in Prince Edward County.
The inaugural event hosted by the curling club brought together new and experienced curlers from the community.
The 24-hour curl-a-thon began on Saturday, March 18 at 12 p.m. and ended on Sunday, March 19 at 12 p.m.
Ninety-six curlers took to the ice, eight players at a time, in two hour blocks around the clock to raise funds for the new hospital campaign.
Each participant was asked to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges for the cause.
“The committee had the idea to host an event to support Back the Build. When we presented it to the membership, it was received favourably as a fun way to raise funds for the new build and beat the winter blues,” said Ron Stakes on behalf of the Prince Edward Curling Club. “What we didn’t expect was the outpouring of support we received from so many people and local businesses when curlers and volunteers went into the community asking for support.”
PECMHF Board Chairperson, Barbara McConnell, threw the first ceremonial rock to kick off the event.
“Because of community initiatives and events like the curl-a-thon, the foundation is able to invest in lifesaving medical equipment that will be used in our new hospital. One of the great benefits of having a modern hospital in the County is we can find new ways of enhancing patient care, such as being able to offer expanded services like access to a CT Scanner. We owe a big thank you to everyone who came out, including many who have never thrown a curling rock before. The funds received from this event will ensure patients who visit our new hospital receive the best care that technology and compassion have to offer in Prince Edward County,” she said.
With a goal to raise between $10,000 and $15,000, organizers were blown away with the $51,000 total.
In recognition of their efforts, a room in the inpatient unit in the new hospital will be named in honour of the Prince Edward Curling Club.
The curling club is planning to continue the event in 2024.
