Hospital Auxiliary fulfills million dollar pledge to Back the Build

Pictured at QHC PECMH on the future site of the new hospital (at back from left) are: Sue Law, Auxiliary past president; Bev Thompson, past treasurer of the Auxiliary; Pat Evans, past president of the Auxiliary and vice chairperson of the PECMH Foundation; Sharon Morcom, Auxiliary volunteer; Peggy Payne, past president of the Auxiliary and Liz Jones, past president of the Auxiliary. In front (from left), are: Monica Alyea, past chairperson of the PECMH Foundation; Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation; Cathy Starkey, president of the Auxiliary, Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chairperson and Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. Briar Boyce photo

It’s a million-dollar day for the future home of a new hospital as Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary volunteers presented the hospital Foundation team with their fifth and final pledge installment to help Back the Build.

The donation installment of $116,000 completed the Auxiliary’s pledge of raising $1M, having made its first payment in March 2019. The Auxiliary’s partnership with the PECMH Foundation goes back more than 35 years.

“We can’t thank our Auxiliary family enough for their commitment to Backing the Build for our new hospital,” said Shannon Coull executive director, PECMH Foundation. “When it comes to commitment and passion for our County hospital, the dedication from the members of our hospital’s volunteers are unmatched. Their completion of this extraordinary pledge to help Back the Build is crucial to helping us get our new hospital built. What an amazing achievement!”

The volunteers with the PECMH Auxiliary were the first group to step forward to commit to raising funds for the new build.

“The Auxiliary has an established history of fundraising in support of priority equipment that benefits patient care at PECMH,” said Cathy Starkey, Auxiliary president. “Our volunteers and community members across Prince Edward County understand the importance of coming together and improving health care for the patients of the hospital. In spite of the hospital build taking more time, we’re continuing to give now to ensure the foundation has access to the funds as soon as they are needed. The project is moving forward and the Auxiliary wanted to be at the forefront of leading the fundraising effort to get the new hospital built.”

Members, Starkey said, see the local hospital as one of the highest priority assets in community.

“We are thrilled to be investing in the bright, healthy future that lies ahead for the new QHC PECMH,” said Starkey. “Thanks to our volunteers for their year-round efforts toward this tremendous achievement. And a special thanks to the members of the community who support our Second Time Around store and the other fundraising events we do.”

In gratitude for the extraordinary donation, the new hospital’s inpatient unit will be named in honour of the PECMH Auxiliary.

“The foundation has a long and trusted history with the PECMH Auxiliary. This is a unique partnership,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the Foundation. “The Auxiliary not only supports and assists patients and staff through hands on assistance with healthcare delivery, but they are also helping our foundation to raise significant funds. It is a great pleasure to celebrate this million-dollar achievement with the Auxiliary today.”

Learn more about the Back the Build Campaign by calling 613-476-1008 ext. 4502 or visiting www.backthebuild.ca.