Poppies sales make a difference for hospital patients

Delivering the donation is Diane Kennedy, first-vice president of the Legion, Penny Rolinski, executive director of the PECMH Foundation, Monica Alyea, chair of the Foundation and Tom McCaw, second-vice president of the Legion. 

This Remembrance Day, wear your poppy with pride knowing you are making a difference in the lives of patients using the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

Each November, as people respectfully wear poppies in tribute to those who have fought and died for their country, many may know the direct impact the symbol has on the community.

“While the primary purpose of the Poppy Fund is to provide assistance to former servicemen and women in need, a large portion of the funds raised in Prince Edward County help support charitable organizations in our community that provide service and care to veterans,” said Monica Alyea, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation.

Thanks to healthy partnerships with various levels of Legion governance, the County’s hospital foundation has, in the last decade, been the recipient of more than $80,375 in donations from the County’s four Legion branches, as well as the Ladies Auxiliaries and Provincial Command Charitable Foundation.

The donated funds, which come largely through proceeds from poppy sales, help enhance patient care by funding the purchase of priority medical equipment at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

Poppy sales begin on Oct. 27 and continue until Nov. 11.

“Our mission is to advance health care to our patients, but it is only through the support of our community that we can help ensure veterans receive the support they need and are treated with the respect they deserve,” said Alyea. “Over the years, our four local Legion branches, Picton, Wellington, Consecon and Deseronto have contributed to excellent care at PECMH. We are pleased to know their contributions and those of Provincial Command are not only helping ensure the best care for veterans, but for everyone in Prince Edward County.”

On Nov. 11 Foundation representatives will attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Picton, Wellington and Consecon to lay wreaths on behalf of the PECMH Foundation and the County’s hospital.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation received $3,000 from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 in April. The funds were collected through the 2016 Poppy Fund campaign, which raised approximately $18,000 from 50 poppy boxes in the community. The donation was directed to the Foundation’s current $250,000 Picture of Health Campaign. Pictured are Diane Kennedy, first vice-president of the Legion, Penny Rolinski, executive director of the PECMH Foundation, Monica Alyea, chairperson of the Foundation and Tom McCaw, second vice -president of the Legion.