Local couple Backs the Build with $10,000 memorial donation

At the announcement of a $10,000 memorial donation, from left, are: Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Kathy Pliwischkies; Herb Pliwischkies and Don Rodney, Back the Build campaign cabinet member. Briar Boyce photo

A County couple has honoured their parents with a $10,000 memorial donation to help ‘Back the Build’ of the new hospital.

Herb and Kathy Pliwischkies, of Picton, presented the donation Tuesday to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF).

Pliwischkies, who recently lost his mother Margarete in November, wanted to honour both his parents with a memorial donation. Herb Pliwischkies Sr. passed away in 2010.

“My wife Kathy and I decided we would do something worthwhile in memory of my parents,” he said. “The physicians and medical staff here at the County hospital have given their service to us… so we decided it was a good idea to give back to ensure there is always a hospital in Prince Edward County.”

“Our entire community will benefit from Herb and Kathy’s continued generosity towards our new hospital,” said Shannon Coull, PECMHF executive director. “Herb and Kathy have sponsored our golf tournament we host in partnership with RE/MAX Quinte for several years, in addition to giving annually.”

“As a regional business, RE/MAX Quinte is invested in Prince Edward County’s continued prosperity. Part of looking out for our region’s future is helping support the thousands of local families and visitors who come to Prince Edward County so they can have access to medical care close to home,” Pliwischkies added. “This is a time to step up and do what we can to help get this new hospital built, which is why Kathy and I are honoured to be making this personal contribution today.”

Immigrating from Germany, Herbert Pliwischkies Sr. came to Canada in 1951 and Margarete followed in 1952. Picton became the homestead in 1965 where Herb Sr. was a well respected teacher. Margarete was as an audio visual technician at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute. Upon retirement their next adventure took them to Nokomis, Florida where they wintered for 17 years. This was followed by extensive travels in their golden years. The Pliwischkies’ were loving, devoted parents to their children, Christa, Monika, Herb Jr. and the late Carol.

“My parents would be honoured to know they were an inspiration by our donation on their behalf,” Pliwischkies said.

“Herb and Kathy are an outstanding example of the community spirit we see in the County. On behalf of the entire hospital, its staff and patients, I want to thank the Pliwischkies for their generosity,” said Coull. “The foundation and Back the Build team is grateful. Remembering loved ones in a manner that will help other people carries a special significance.”

Nancy Parks, the Back the Build campaign co-chair, also thanked the Pliwischkies family “for keeping our new hospital in their hearts this holiday season and for standing with us as we work towards building the new hospital.

“Herb and Kathy’s investment in this build makes a huge difference in the lives of every person in this community. We are amazed by how much local families, like the Pliwischkies’, are doing to help.”