Lest We Forget – Poppies help patients

This Remembrance Day, wear your poppy with pride knowing you are making a difference in the lives of patients in Prince Edward County.

Each November, as people wear poppies in tribute to those who have fought and died for their country, many may not fully realize the direct impact these four-petaled flowers have on our community.

While the primary purpose of the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund is to provide assistance to former servicemen and women in need, a large portion of the funds raised in the County helps support charitable organizations in the community that provide service and care to veterans.

Thanks to healthy relationships with the various levels of Legion governance, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation has on several occasions been the beneficiary of such funding. In the last decade, the Foundation has been the recipient of  more than $59,000 in donations from the local Legion branches, Ladies Auxiliaries and Provincial Command Charitable Foundation.

The donated funds, which come largely through proceeds from poppy sales, help enhance patient care by funding the purchase of priority medical equipment at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

“Our mission is to advance health care to our patients, but it is only through the support of our community that we can help ensure veterans receive the support they need and are treated with the respect they deserve,” said Leo Finnegan, chair of the PECMH Foundation. “Over the years, our three local Legion branches, Picton, Wellington and Consecon have contributed to excellent care at PECMH. We are pleased to know their contributions and those of Provincial Command are not only helping ensure the best care for veterans, but for everyone in Prince Edward County.”

Pick up your poppy ahead of Remembrance Day and give generously. Next Tuesday, Commodore Rtd, Dr. Michael Shannon and Briar Boyce will attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Picton and will proudly lay wreaths on behalf of the PECMH Foundation and Quinte Health Care.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise money to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County.