Legion Branch 78 helps fund x-ray machine

Pictured in front of the PECM Hospital from left: Diane Kennedy, president of RCL Branch 78, Picton; Briar Boyce, senior development officer with PECMHF; and Tom McCaw, first vice-president and poppy fund chairperson with RCL Branch 78. – Jess Jacklin photo

On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 Picton Poppy Fund Committee, Diane Kennedy, president, and Tom McCaw, first vice-president and poppy chairperson, presented PECMHF with $7,000 raised through the Poppy Fund campaign.

Nearly 10,000 x-ray images are taken at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) annually. Because priority equipment purchases are not government-funded, Branch 78 has stepped forward to help ensure x-ray services remain close by in Prince Edward County, should veterans need them now or in the future.

“Our mission is to advance health care to our patients, and it is only through the support of our community that we can help ensure veterans receive the care they need and are treated with the respect they have earned,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Over the years, our four local Legion branches, Picton, Wellington, Consecon, and Deseronto, have contributed to exceptional care at PECMH. We are pleased to know their contributions and those of Provincial Command are helping ensure the best care for veterans and everyone in Prince Edward County.”

“We are especially grateful to the Poppy Fund Committee for this gift for the x-ray machine. Our doctors use it to provide the patients requiring the x-ray with proper diagnosis,” said Coull. “It’s vital for our community to continue to ensure our County hospital is equipped with the latest technology to keep our patients healthy. We are also proud to announce that, with this gift, Branch 78’s cumulative giving total to our hospital over the past 22 years has surpassed $34,500.”

While the primary purpose of the Poppy Fund is to assist former servicemen and women in need, a large portion of the funds raised in Prince Edward County help support charitable organizations in the community that provide service and care to veterans.

“Through your donations to the Poppy Fund, the Legion provides financial assistance and support to veterans, including Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families who are in need,” said McCaw. “We are thankful to everyone who supports the poppy campaign and the Legion. Because of you, Branch 78 can help others living in this community, including patients at the hospital, have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment.”