Parrott Foundation gift makes County hospital campaign thermometer soar

Pictured in front of the newly updated Back the Build fundraising thermometer at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) from left, are: Monica Alyea, director on the PECMHF Board; Stacey Daub, president and CEO of Quinte Health Care; Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation; Leo Finnegan, director on the PECMHF board; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Lyle Vanclief, president of the John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation; Linda Gray and Donna Gowthorpe, directors on the John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation Board and Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Co-Chair. Briar Boyce photo

In honour of a $750,000 donation from the John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation toward the build of the County’s new hospital, a unique family suite will be named in their honour. The significant gift puts the Back the Build campaign just $800,000 away from its campaign goal of $16.5 million.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) board and members of the Back the Build campaign cabinet graciously accepted the Back The Build donation from the Parrott Foundation on Friday.

The suite is to offer respite and privacy for families spending time with a loved one who is seriously ill. Located in the inpatient unit, it is to be fully furnished with a bedroom, shower and sitting area.

RN Janice Deal, QHC PECMH’s Patient Care Lead, noted it is important to patients to have their family members close by during a hospital stay.

“Families of patients want to be close to their loved ones, but also need a place to rest, eat, shower and decompress. Having access to the family suite relieves the difficulty of having to find or pay for a place to stay if a patient’s family comes from out of town. The family suite is a private place for families to gather, reminisce on memories and connect as a family during a very difficult time.”

Lisa Mowbray, manager of patient services at PECMH, and family used a family suite in 2005.

“It was overwhelmingly appreciated and helpful to have a spot to gather as a family, be able to support one another, take shifts in being with our loved one. It was a space you felt safe, you could cry, share stories and the fond memories we cherish today. Whether your family is large or small, having that space to allow people to come together, get away for a small break but not be far when the end arrives, is truly a gracious gift.”

The fundraising team continues to express gratitude to donors who remain committed to building a new home for Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

“Building a new hospital is extremely involved and dynamic. There are so many moving parts that are all necessary so the project continues to move forward,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Every time our community learns something new is another step toward the hospital’s completion. The community’s confidence and continued support in this project is one of the critical parts to ensuring our new hospital becomes a reality.

“This incredible donation from the Parrott Foundation is so appreciated during these challenging times. Not only will it help us to maintain momentum, it also helps to make us feel connected to our donor family.”

The Parrott Foundation’s grant helped the PECMH Foundation to reach $15.7 million of its $16.5 million goal.

Founded in 1977, the Parrott Foundation supports organizations across the Quinte region. Jack and Bernice Parrott had deep roots in the Belleville community for many years. They spent their time growing crops and tending to a herd of Holstein cattle. Eventually, the couple developed their farm land, turning it into subdivisions in the east end of Belleville.

Foundation representatives and members of the Campaign Cabinet gathered with Lyle Vanclief, Linda Gray and Donna Gowthorpe from the Parrott Foundation to update the fundraising thermometer on the current hospital to reflect the new fundraising milestone.

“The Parrott Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of Quinte. Investing in organizations that focus on healthcare helps to advance our mission, said Lyle Vanclief, president of the John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation. “Without your health, it is impossible to have a quality of life. The new hospital in Prince Edward County is our way of ensuring that the people of Quinte and surrounding area, now and in the future, have access to the care they need, when they need it.”

Vanclief noted John and Bernice were known to be generous during their lifetimes, and their philanthropy has achieved much more through their charitable gifts given throughout the region through the Parrott Foundation. “They have helped countless organizations succeed and have made great strides towards making the Quinte community a better place to live.”

Click here for details and further information on the Back the Build campaign