County nurse earns local love bursary to help earn degree

At the presentation of the bursary, from left, are: PECMH Foundation Board Chair, Peggy Payne, Dale Chapman, The County Guys Founder, Bursary Recipient, Cody-Rae Fowler, PECMH Foundation ED, Shannon Coull, Aleks Ninkovic, The County Guys Founder. – Arda Sahin, James Media Co photo

Cody-Rae Fowler, a registered practical nurse at the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, has been selected as the recipient of this year’s “The County Guys Local Love Bursary.”

The County Guys Real Estate Group and Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation presented the $2,500 bursary to Fowler, a Cherry Valley resident who works in the Inpatient Unit, as well as the emergency and endoscopy departments at PECMH. Fowler plans to begin her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at Loyalist College while continuing her work at the County hospital.

“I am incredibly honoured to receive the County Guys Local Love Bursary,” said Fowler. “As I pursue my studies in nursing, this support brings me one step closer to contributing to the health and well-being of our community at PECMH. I love our hospital, and I am grateful to be able to grow my career here.”

The Foundation, in partnership with the County Guys Real Estate Group, created the bursary in 2023 for Quinte Health employees who are pursuing education that enhances healthcare. The bursary targets those who are driven to help and heal others and are passionate about nurturing a healthy quality of life in Prince Edward County.

Fowler was chosen in recognition of her dedication to patient care, her positive influence on colleagues, and contributions to the hospital and the community. In addition to her work as an RPN, Fowler operates Scrunchie & Go, a small business where she sews and sells hair scrunchies and dog bandanas. During COVID, she pivoted to sewing face masks, selling them for $3 each and donating the proceeds to the PECMH Foundation. To date, she has raised more than $5,000.

Fowler has worked with Quinte Health since 2022. She decided to pursue her BScN to widen her scope of practice. Fowler expects to graduate from her BScN in 2027 and is committed to continuing her nursing career at the County’s hospital.

“By investing in their education costs, we can help these people achieve their goals and incentivize them to stay here and work in our community,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “And the best part is that regardless of position, anyone working at our hospital can apply.”

“We are inspired to assist those who want to advance their careers but may not necessarily have the means,” said Aleks Ninkovic, founder of The County Guys.

“It is incredible to see the benefits of these funds, both for the staff taking additional education programs, but also for the hospital’s patients and our community who will benefit from their added knowledge and skills,” added Dale Chapman, also founder of The County Guys.

Established in 2023, The County Guys Local Love Bursary Fund is available to any permanent part-time or full-time employee at Quinte Health, whose home site is PECMH.