Rotary’s maple syrup fundraiser sweetens future of local health care

At the presentation, from left, are: Briar Boyce, Associate Director, Development and Shannon Coull, Executive Director, Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation; Bill Pennell, treasurer, Rotary Club of Wellington; Trudy Brown, Treasurer, Wellington Rotary Foundation and Gregor Stuart, President-Elect, Rotary Club of Wellington & Chair of Maple Syrup Fundraising Committee; and Nancy Parks, Chair of the Back the Build Campaign, gather at the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital construction site to recognize Wellington Rotary’s continued support through its annual maple syrup fundraiser. Phyo Kyi photo

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) is pouring on thanks for another generous serving of investment in local health care, as the Rotary Club of Wellington presented $10,000 from the proceeds of its annual Maple Syrup Fundraiser to support the foundation’s Back the Build Campaign.

The fundraiser also provided an additional $10,000 to the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank, as its ongoing commitment to strengthening the community in multiple ways.

“The Rotary Club of Wellington continues to demonstrate what community leadership looks like,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Chairperson. “Their members don’t simply fundraise; they invest in the future of health care for everyone who calls Prince Edward County home. Every bottle of maple syrup purchased represents neighbours helping neighbours, and we are incredibly grateful for Rotary’s unwavering partnership as we work together to build and equip a new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Their support has touched countless patients over the years and will continue to do so for generations to come.”

For more than 14 years, the club has been one of the foundation’s most dedicated philanthropic partners. Through community-powered fundraising initiatives—ranging from maple syrup sales and bottle depot proceeds to annual dinners, dances and auctions – the club has contributed more than $625,000 to strengthen health care close to home.

The support has helped fund essential medical equipment for the current hospital, including an ECG machine, a ventilator and an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor for sterilizing scoping equipment.

“I am delighted that our club is once again investing in the health and well-being of our community with a contribution to Back the Build for our new County hospital,” said Chris Compeau, president of the Rotary Club of Wellington. “I am proud of the financial support that the Wellington Rotary Club has provided and continues to provide to our local hospital,”

“Rotary has always believed that strong communities are built by people coming together to help one another,” said Trudy Brown, treasurer of the Wellington Rotary Foundation. “Supporting the PECMH Foundation has been a priority for our club for many years because access to excellent health care matters to every person in Prince Edward County. We are proud that our annual Maple Syrup Fundraiser continues to grow and allows us to invest in both our local hospital and other organizations, like the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank, that make our community stronger.”

In recognition of the club’s support, the waiting area of the future Emergency Department is to be dedicated in honour of the Rotary Club of Wellington and the donors who contributed to its fundraising efforts.

Yvonne Buys, past president of the club said, “Fundraising is sometimes viewed simply as a means to an end, but in reality, it is much more than that. It is an expression of generosity, community spirit, and a shared belief that together we can make a difference.”

The foundation’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M in support of Quinte Health to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information, and to lend your support, visit www.pecmhf.ca/back-the-build