Local realtors’ hospital funding drives come in over asking

Pictured at RE/MAX from left: Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation board; sales representatives Que Colby and Debra McKinney, Sean McKinney, broker; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chairperson; Kevin Gale, sales representative; Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation; Sherry Tait, board member with PECMHF, Mary Jane Mills, sales representative, and Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation.

RE/MAX Quinte Ltd Picton realtors listed a desire to donate $250,000 to the County’s hospital foundation, but were pleased to announce fundraising way over asking.

Sean McKinney, Broker of Record for RE/MAX Quinte Ltd., along with several sales representatives gathered Friday to present the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation with $354,261 raised through several efforts supporting patient care at the County’s hospital for the past 21 years.

In 2000, RE/MAX committed to raise $98,600, which reflects a perfect body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, in support of the hospital. Over the next nine years, RE/MAX exceeded that goal by raising $105,358.81 for priority medical equipment needs at QHC PECMH. In 2014 a new goal was set to get to $250,000.

Funds have been raised through the Teeing Up Fore Health Care Golf Classic, as well as donations from approximately a dozen sales representatives who donate one per cent of sales commissions at the end of each calendar year to the County hospital’s equipment fund.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the response from RE/MAX reps to this initiative, nor am I surprised that we exceeded our goal,” said McKinney. “Our reps are extremely active and involved in this community, and they know the positive impact that having a viable hospital has on families.”

Shannon Coull, executive director with the PECMH Foundation is grateful.

“This partnership with RE/MAX has been a wonderful opportunity to work together to purchase new and replacement priority equipment for our hospital. Every year, we are challenged with raising in excess of $350,000 for priority equipment needs at our County hospital.”

The fundraising is important as the government does not fund priority medical equipment.

“The community does. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with RE/MAX and we encourage other businesses to reach out and get involved as well.”

The RE/MAX milestone was celebrated Friday at their new office on Loyalist Parkway in Picton. The team also announced its 6th annual Teeing Up Fore Health Care Golf Classic set for Tuesday, Sept. 28 in Picton. Proceeds will help contribute to the purchase of a replacement ultrasound machine to serve patients in the current hospital, and the new hospital.

Last year, 2,234 patients required use of the ultrasound machine at QHC PECMH. Purchased in 2011, the current machine is three years past its recommended lifespan.

“The image quality is diminishing and parts are becoming difficult to source,” said Coull. “The new ultrasound machine will cost $184,931. Because priority equipment purchases are not government funded, PECMHF is counting on the support of this community to help ensure ultrasound services remain close by, now and in the future.”

“Donor support is key to making the new hospital a reality and that includes arming it with leading edge medical equipment, including the new ultrasound machine,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation. “We have an extremely rare opportunity to build and equip a modern facility that will improve the quality of care patients receive locally. This is a game changer for Prince Edward County and we are calling on business and community leaders, like RE/MAX, to invest in the new QHC Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Each of us has a role to play in bringing this important project to life.”

For more information on how you can get involved in the golf tournament, through sponsorship or volunteering, contact Briar in the PECMH Foundation office at 613-476-1008 ext. 4425 or bboyce@qhc.on.ca. The tournament is currently sold out, but golfers may be added to the waiting list.