Perfectly Preserved cook up record-setting donation

At the presentation of $28,000 Wednesday, are Perfectly Preserved members Laura Bryan, Cath Collins, Rosalind Leslie, Denise Linnett, Maureen Rudd, Dorothy Speirs, Beverly Thompson, Jane Winwood, Betty Zyvatkauskas and PECMH Auxiliary past president Cathy Starkey. – Sam Sakr photo

If every jar makes a difference then 3,200 jars make a really big difference.
Perfectly Preserved announces its biggest hospital donation to date with a $28,000 cheque presentation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation Wednesday.

The busy branch of the hospital auxiliary works year-round to make and sell jams, jellies, pickles, preserves and many other tasty treats. A familiar sight at markets around Prince Edward County, in 2023 the dedicated group of nine volunteers made more than 3,200 jars of pickles and preserves, plus hundreds of crackers, scones, pies, cookies and so much more.

By featuring both familiar favourites (strawberry jam, Seville orange marmalade and red pepper jelly), as well as more offbeat offerings (such as Berry Barolo jam, Kentucky Bar Fight jam and Lady Ashburnham’s pickle), Perfectly Preserved has built a dedicated following and continues to expand into new areas with flavoured mustards, vinegars, chutneys and assorted condiments.

Local produce, whenever possible, keeps freshness at the forefront of their success.

“We follow the seasons, starting with marmalade in January as the first Seville oranges hit the grocery shelves. Winter carrots are perfect for pickling, before the springtime bounty of asparagus comes in, followed by summer berries and a glut of great garden produce, then
autumn’s apples,” said the group’s spokesperson, Dorothy Speirs.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated fruit, vegetables, canning jars, market space and preparation space, particularly our home base, South Bay United Church,” said Speirs. “Of course, we couldn’t do it without the support of everyone who shopped with us. Every jar
purchased brings our community that much closer to making a new hospital a reality.”

In 2024 Perfectly Preserved plans to expand its efforts with more market dates and additional special events. After all, records are made to be broken.