Picton firefighters answer call to support build of new hospital

Pictured at Station 1 in Picton with the Picton Firefighters is Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation. – Dan Claxton photo

When firefighters put on their bunker gear, they prioritize saving lives—at fire scenes, car accidents, and medical emergencies in the community. This week, they are helping save lives at the County’s new hospital, with a $2,000 donation to the Back the Build campaign.

This is the fourth presentation by the Picton Firefighters’ Association to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation. It brings the group’s cumulative giving to $12,000 in support of the campaign.

“We’re proud and honoured to help our community by continuing to raise funds that will Back the Build for our new County hospital,” said Brendan Bellchamber, president of the Picton Firefighters’ Association. “Firefighters are known traditionally for giving back to their communities, so we’re keeping that tradition alive and well in Prince Edward County.”

The funds were raised through various activities undertaken by the Picton Firefighters’ Association, including the annual Christmas tree sales (now underway at at Station 1 in Picton).

“Whenever they are needed, firefighters will always answer the call. Today, they are answering another call to help us realize our goal of a new hospital in the County,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “We extend special thanks to all of the Picton Firefighters’ Association firefighters for going above and beyond to raise money to support the building of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s future home.”

Established in 1958, the Picton Firefighters’ Association is a team of 24 volunteer and full-time members. Their fundraising efforts benefit causes such as sports teams, Camp Bucko, a summer camp for young burn survivors, The ROC, Hospice Prince Edward, and kid-friendly activities such as the Picton Easter Egg Hunt. The association decides as a group how the donations will benefit the community.

Construction of the new hospital is underway. This leading-edge hospital will be the first hospital of its kind in North America, with modern medical equipment, smart technology, and exceptional environmental sustainability enhancements.

Based on current timelines, the new hospital is to be completed in late 2027. For more information, visit www.pecmhf.ca/back-the-build.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital.