Tree lighting, donor wall update honour ongoing support for County hospital

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation continues to recognize individuals, corporations and community organizations that have been supporting ongoing fundraising efforts to fund priority medical equipment purchases at the hospital.

“The Foundation was delighted to unveil a newly updated donor wall Thursday celebrating new donors as well as those who have moved up a giving level,” said Leo Finnegan, president of the PECMH Foundation. “Thirty-one names were unveiled on the physical wall and 36 names added to the LED screen for a total of 67 additions. The Foundation was gratified to be in the position of adding two additional panels on the wall to accommodate so many new names.

Finnegan said the unveiling ceremony is also a celebration of the accomplishment of a community that works together to respond to the needs of its doctors, nurses and technologists for state-of-the-art equipment in Prince Edward County.

The wall, which pays homage to the geographic beauty of Prince Edward County’s rich and vibrant culture, is a lasting way to say thank you to all donors who have given a total of $5,000 or more to the PECMH Foundation. Donors who have cumulatively given between $1,000 and $4,999.99 are recognized on the LED screen built into the wall.

Name plates affixed to the wall recognize a donor’s accumulated lifetime giving since 1999 to the present and into the future. Since the recognition is cumulative, it offers donors the opportunity to move up through the different giving levels.

Plaques may be in the names of individuals, families, service organizations or companies. Plaques may also be made in honour of an individual. The donor wall is a lasting legacy and expression of loyalty toward Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, its staff and volunteers.

Paul VanVlack, a benevolent donor, friend and former treasurer on the Foundation Board, donated enough Christmas lights to light the second tree in front of the hospital in memory of his wives, Marjorie and Trudy, who have predeceased him.

As a surprise to guests, Paul VanVlack, a benevolent donor, friend and former treasurer on the Foundation Board, donated enough Christmas lights to light the second tree in front of the hospital in memory of his wives, Marjorie and Trudy, who have predeceased him. VanVlack had the esteemed pleasure of switching the lights on while onlookers sang Silent Night.
Following the fifth annual tree lighting, guests were entertained by the County’s  Frere Brothers Mark Despault and Alec Lunn. Entertainment and refreshments were graciously supplied by Tim Hortons in Picton. Even patients and staff joined in the merriment as The Frere Brothers sang carols throughout the halls of PECMH.

The Foundation extended thanks to Hydro One employees, Gord Piper, Mark Graham, Jake Prohaska and Muren Pickering for volunteering their time to string the lights on the second tree two Sundays ago with two bucket trucks generously donated by Hydro One.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation, I would like to recognize the important contributions by so many that have led to today’s celebration,” said Finnegan. “With the lighting of the second tree, our lights truly have never shone brighter.”

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise money to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County.

The Frere Brothers Mark Despault and Alec Lunn sang Christmas Carols to residents, staff and guests at Picton’s hospital Thursday evening.