Fundraising focus on equipment needs until new hospital approved

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation hopes to cap off its 30th anniversary year hearing official approval for a new hospital – but in the meantime, fund-raising for equipment needs continues.

Leo Finnegan, chairman of the foundation board of directors, told those at the annual public information meeting that a capital campaign would begin following the approval announcement – anticipated toward the end of 2015. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care is considering the development proposal submitted by Quinte Health Care and the Local Health Integration Network.

At least $12 million needs to be raised, as the ministry requires the community to fund all of the equipment for the hospital.

“If we get the answer we hope for, we will be into the planning process for a capital fund-raising campaign by early next year,” said Finnegan, noting that in the meantime, there is still much to do with for immediate needs involving the annual fund-raising programs to cover the cost of priority medical equipment at the hospital.”

Since it began in 1985, the foundation has raised funds to provide hospital facilities and the priority medical equipment.

“In the last 15 years alone, since 1999, as a result of the generosity and support of so many in the community, the foundation has raised $6.5 million dollars to fulfill our mission,” said Finnegan. “As they say, we’ve come a long way. But the thing about hospital foundations is that the need never stops. Every year we must strive to raise the same and even more if we are to keep our hospital system and our standard of care high.”

This 30th year milestone, he notes, already promises to be memorable.

Last year, the foundation reached its goal to raise $237,000 to cover the cost of purchasing new cardiac monitoring equipment.

This year it has launched its Life Saver Campaign to raise almost $350,000 for replacement medical equipment including a chemical and blood analyzer, an ECG machine, vital signs monitors, as well as for replacement colonoscopes and gastroscopes for our day surgery programs.

“Raising that money takes innovation, imagination, initiative, perseverance and persuasion,” said Finnegan.

He listed successful fundraisers already in the books for this year including a Valentine’s Day benefit concert; the Ward Estate art auction; the RE/MAX Teeing Up Fore Health Care golfing event.

On Wednesday will be the special screening at the Regent Theatre of the Sound of Music, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Heather Menzies Urich, who played the third child, Louisa, will answer audience questions during the screening.

Next month, on July 25 the Rotary Club of Picton and the foundation are partnering to host the All Canadian Wine Championships, Passport to Canada. The event is to take place at the Crystal Palace and include a tasting opportunity for hundreds of Canadian wines, as well as a barbecue and dance.

Huff Estates has again named the foundation as the beneficiary of its signature “Six Barrels for Six Chefs”.

“That’s just a taste of what’s coming,” said Finnegan who thanked staff, the members of the Hospital Auxiliary and board of directors.