Wellington Legion donation supports purchase of hospitals new mammography machine

Pictured at Branch 160 in Wellington on October 8, 2025: Peter Campbell, RCL Branch 160 poppy fund chairperson and Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation.

CHEERS! from The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 members in Wellington for their generous $3,000 grant from the Poppy Fund to support the purchase of a new mammography machine for the County’s new hospital.

“Branch 160 has been a steadfast supporter of local health care for 12 consecutive years, contributing 16 grants to vital equipment needs,” said Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the foundation. “Their previous Poppy Fund donations have supported essential hospital equipment, including the x-ray machine, smart beds, the CT scanner, ultrasound machine, patient lifts and infusion pumps. With this gift, Branch 160’s cumulative giving total to our hospital has surpassed $25,000.”

“This latest gift will help bring state-of-the-art breast imaging technology to our community. Our current mammography machine, purchased in 2012, has served the hospital well, but technology has advanced significantly.”

The new machine will offer both traditional 2D mammograms and the latest 3D imaging exams (tomosynthesis). This helps provide earlier detection of smaller cancers, greater accuracy in locating abnormalities, fewer unnecessary tests, clearer imaging for dense breast tissue and improved targeting for more precise diagnostics.

Last year alone, more than 1,550 mammograms were performed at PECMH.

“Upgrading this critical equipment ensures that patients in our community continue to receive the best possible care, close to home.”

This donation is made possible through the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign. Every year, from the last Friday of October to Nov. 11, Canadians wear a poppy as a visual pledge to honour veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms people have today. The funds raised through this campaign directly support veterans, their families, and community health initiatives like this, making a lasting impact close to home.

PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign is raising $30M to help build and equip a new hospital to serve residents and visitors in Prince Edward County. For more information about upcoming events or to lend your support, please contact Cait Lavoie at 70clavoie@quintehealth.ca or visit our website at www.pecmhf.ca.