Matching donations could help Back the Build cross the finish line

HDR architectural rending of the County’s new hospital.

With approximately $800,000 remaining for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation to reach its $30-million Back the Build campaign goal, a local resident is giving the community an opportunity to make every new gift go twice as far.

David Binet has committed to match new gifts to Back the Build, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000, helping the foundation move closer to completing the campaign by March 31, 2027.

If the full match is unlocked, the initiative will generate $500,000 toward the approximately $800,000 remaining, putting the Foundation within reach of completing the historic campaign.

The $250,000 matching commitment forms part of a larger major gift to PECMH Foundation to be formally announced in 2027. By making a portion of the gift available now as a match, Binet hopes to inspire others to join the final push for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

“I have watched this community come together in an extraordinary way to make the new hospital possible, and I wanted to help build momentum as the campaign approaches its $30-million goal,” said Binet. “I hope this match inspires others to join us for this important final stretch. Every gift makes a difference, and together we have an opportunity to finish what this community started.”

Back the Build is the community’s $30-million campaign to help build and equip the new hospital. With construction of the $153.8 million project well underway, the foundation is working to complete the campaign.

The funds cover 10 per cent of the cost of the bricks and mortar component of the hospital build, plus the equipment. The other 90 per cent of the hard construction costs are being covered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC).

The building completion and handover to Quinte Health is expected in the late fall of 2027.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of PECMH Foundation. “David’s gift is a testament to his commitment to exceptional healthcare in PEC and his confidence in the generosity of our community. The impact of every new gift to Back the Build will be doubled. Whether someone gives $50, $500 or $5,000, their generosity will go twice as far as we work together to cross the finish line.”

Back the Build has always been a community campaign, notes Nancy Parks, chairperson of the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet.

“Thousands of people have helped bring us to this point, and now we have an incredible opportunity to make every new gift count twice. We are so close. This is our chance to finish strong and bring this historic campaign home.”

Donations to Back the Build can be made at pecmhf.ca, by calling 613-476-1008 ext. 4507, or by mail to PECMH Foundation, 403 Main Street East, Picton, ON K0K 2T0.

An interactive community update on the new hospital is being held Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the site. Space is limited. Click here to RSVP by Oct. 30