Record-breaking year for Perfectly Preserved team

Denise Linnett, Betty Zyvatkauskas, Roz Leslie and Bev Thompson packing pies at the County Food Hub. Laura Bryan photos

The County’s own Perfectly Preserved team of volunteers smashed its fundraising record this year, netting more than $28,000 through its sales of jams, pickles, pies and seasonal treats in support of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

Over the last decade, the team has grown its efforts, turning an annual bake sale into a year-round cooking and sales effort, appearing at markets in Wellington and Picton as well as special events including the Festival of Trees.

Their products are popular with residents and visitors alike, who enjoy taking home a jar of something special that is grown and cooked here in the County. That added up to more than 2,600 jars, plus countless pies, cookies, scones and more.

Freshly baked scones sell out every week at the Picton Market.

“We couldn’t have done it without so many kind contributions,” said Dorothy Speirs, the group’s spokesperson. “We’d like to thank all the local farmers, friends and business owners who contributed locally grown fruit and vegetables—as well as much-needed freezer space at the County Farm Store— that make this achievement possible.

“In the spirit of a true community effort, thanks also go to diligent recyclers who brought back their empty jars while Picton Home Hardware gave us a great deal on the rest.”

Speirs notes the Prince Edward County’s Municipal Community Grants Program enabled the group to use the professional kitchen at the County Food Hub.

“We are always striving to create new products and this year was no exception. Popular new products this year included vegan tourtieres, garlic scape pesto and basil pesto. Look for more next year.”

Perfectly Preserved follows the cycle of the harvest, starting with citrus. Marmalade production starts in a few weeks.

For more information, contact Dorothy Speirs at dorothy.speirs@utoronto.ca