Farm family harvests funds for new hospital

A $50,000 donation sown by a local farm family has harvested $100,000 for the County’s new hospital due to matching funds by the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Robert (Bob) Hunter and his wife Barbara, who own and operate PEC Farms in Wellington, decided the best way to give back to their community was to invest in the future of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) – especially before the auxiliary’s 1:1 matching gift initiative ends Jan. 31, 2024.

“Last year (2023), we had the best crop yields since moving to the County in 2004. Barbara and I wanted to share our gratitude over such a great harvest and couldn’t think of a better way to do so than to donate to a cause benefitting all…building a new hospital,” said Hunter. “The Hunter family, along with Barbara and I, extend a special thanks to our farm staff and crew who helped make this all possible: Debra, Heather, Terry, Wade, Gerry, Rob, Luke, and Jeff.”

They hope other farmers who produced great yields last year will also feel inspired to Back the Build.

“Bob and Barbara are an outstanding example of the community spirit in Prince Edward County. On behalf of the entire hospital, its staff and patients, I want to thank the Hunter family for their generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “The foundation and Back the Build team are grateful for this generous donation. Bob and Barbara’s investment in our new hospital makes a huge difference in the lives of every person in this community. We are touched and inspired by how much local families, like the Hunters, are doing to make our new hospital a reality.”

The hospital foundation, auxiliary and the public are raising the public portion of funds – $27 million – necessary to move forward. It is scheduled to open in 2027.

“Both Barbara and I have aged in our 20 years of being in the County and will personally need the new hospital more in the future. Helping the doctors, nurses, and technologists acquire new equipment and move into a more modern hospital will help them deliver the best care possible to the community,” said Hunter. “Let’s dig in and support the new hospital!”

Visit the hospital foundation’s website for details on how you can help. https://www.pecmhf.ca/