Long-time PEC farm family honours parents with Back the Build donation

Pictured on the future site of the new hospital in Picton, from left, are: Penny and John Conley and Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. Briar Boyce photo

A local farm family with deep roots in the community has stepped forward with a gift that will honour parents and help build Prince Edward County’s new hospital.

John Conley and his wife, Penny, were looking for a way to honour the memory of his parents, Ruth and Oscar. They decided the best way to do that was to invest in the future of Quinte Health Care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (QHC PECMH) by donating $10,600 to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build campaign.

In 1906, John Conley’s great grandfather moved to Prince Edward County to start a life with his family. More than a century later, the Conley family continues to carry on the tradition of working the land at their farm in Bloomfield.

“Penny and I have lived and worked in the County all of our lives,” said Conley. “We feel fortunate to be able to help out and make this donation in memory of my parents on behalf of our family. We know the importance of having access to care, close to home. This gift is a way for the Conley’s to show their gratitude to the community.”

The family has several elderly members who require hospital services nearby. Penny also worked in the senior care field for many years where she gained a sincere appreciation for the local hospital.

“John and Penny 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 Conley family for their generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “The foundation and Back the Build team is grateful for this very generous donation. Remembering loved ones in a manner that will help other people is a legacy that carries a special significance.”

Thanks to the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, the gift will be matched 2:1.