Tribute honours community making a difference at the County’s hospital
Administrator | Oct 10, 2018 | Comments 0
Giving is not just about making a donation – it’s about making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director with the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
The Foundation, Wednesday afternoon, honoured individuals, corporations and community organizations for supporting ongoing fundraising efforts for medical equipment purchases and the move toward a new hospital in Prince Edward County.
The Foundation unveiled 176 commemorations listed on the donor wall located in the hallway near the front foyer.
“The enduring and tireless support of our donors for Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is inspiring,” said Coull. “Every year our donor family steps forward with gifts that make it possible to replace critically needed medical equipment and this year’s donor wall update is exceptional. I am honoured to be able to thank so many people who are being celebrated here today.”
One of the honourees were the citizens of Prince Edward County. The municipality’s cumulative gifts tallying $106,791.50 move it to the Grand Patron level on the donor wall.
Foundation chairperson Monica Alyea thanked current mayor Robert Quaiff and past mayor Leo Finnegan for their tireless efforts in support of the hospital.
Quaiff, in turn, thanked his council members “who stood beside the decision to pursue a new hospital. It takes a team effort – time, and time again.”
He expressed delight to recognize and celebrate the donors, and the Foundation.
“It’s heartening to see so many individuals and so many groups and businesses join together to support this healthcare priority… I thank everyone who has contributed, and made a true difference.”
As well as honouring contributions, Alyea said the afternoon was also a celebration of accomplishments by a community that works together.
“Over the past two years you have given us 541,000 reasons to be thankful – that’s $541,000 toward medical equipment. And, another $10.5 million in that same time period in pledges toward the share needed by our community toward the $76 million new state-of-the-art health care facility here. We are thankful.”
“Your support has direct impact on the care our patients receive,” Coull added. “You are helping to ensure that our nurses, our doctors and our front-line staff have the tools and equipment they need to provide the best care possible.”
Last year’s gifts from donors in the community were used to purchase equipment such as colonoscopes, gastroscopes, and updated heart monitoring equipment used in the emergency department. Unlike operating costs, medical equipment is not funded by the government. The community is expected to finance the replacement of medical equipment as well as support building redevelopment through the work of hospital foundations.
“This is why support from our donors is so important,’ said Coull.
Wednesday’s reception celebrated new donors and those who have moved up a giving level.
Fifty-six plaques were unveiled on the physical wall and 120 names were added to the video screen for a total of 176 additions – the Foundation’s biggest update since the wall was unveiled in 2011.
Tim Hortons (Picton and Wellington) was upgraded from the Patron to the Benefactor level for cumulative gifts now totalling $29,352.20.
The Wellington on the Lake Woodcrafters, CIBC Mobile Mortgage Advisors and the Wellington Elks Lodge are making a first-time appearance on the wall alongside a plaque placed in memory of Charles and Effie Storms. The plaque was donated by their daughter, Mildred (Storms) Fraser, of Picton, and the donation is earmarked to the new hospital campaign.
The wall, which pays homage to the geography of Prince Edward County, 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 since 1999 are recognized on the LED screen built into the wall.
Plaques may be in the names of individuals, families, service organizations or companies. Plaques may also be made in honour of an individual.
“Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital thrives with the support of countless County residents. While the donor wall and screen formally recognize and thank those who have reached $1,000 or more in cumulative giving, the Foundation is also indebted to many more donors,” Coull said.
Medical equipment and hospital build fundraising continues. For more information about the donor wall, how to set up monthly donations, or to make a bequest in a will, contact Briar Boyce, communications and donations co-ordinator at 613-476-1008, ext. 4425.
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