Elks continue tradition of supporting County’s hospital

Randy Vincent, past exalted ruler of the Wellington Elks Lodge, Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation, Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation and Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation.

Members of the Wellington Elks Lodge #566 continued their 19-year tradition of giving with a gift to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Randy Vincent, past exalted ruler, presented Foundation representatives with $1,000 for the purchase of priority medical equipment. The funds were raised through steak barbecue dinners that feed anywhere between 130 to 200 people each month.

“The Elks Members thank all those who continue to support our steak barbecues and turkey rolls. Their ongoing attendance at our events help us to raise these funds. The Lodge is proud to be able to give back to our community and that includes this gift to our local hospital,” said Vincent. “We feel it is important to keep our current hospital well-equipped as we all may have occasion to have to use its services.”

This year, PECM Hospital Foundation needs to raise $362,000 to pay for essential equipment needed now. From IV infusion pumps and defibrillators, to the portable X-Ray machine needed in the Radiology Department, the list of equipment the needed is extensive.

“The Elks support many community causes and our Hospital Foundation appreciates being included in their funding initiatives over the past 19 years,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation.

PECMH Foundation Executive Director Shannon Coull emphasized how hospitals need their communities to help equip them, through donations to the Foundation.

“The Foundation is really about the donors. Our job is to raise the needed funds so when people need the hospital, the care providers are best equipped to meet those needs,” said Coull. “Donations buy medical equipment for the hospital, here in the County, for you, your friends and family.”

Consider giving a gift to your hospital this holiday season at www.pecmhf.ca or by calling Briar at 613-476-1008 ext. 4425 or stopping into the office inside the main entrance of PECM Hospital, Monday-Friday, 8a.m. to 4p.m.