County Marathon races in with gift

bboyce • December 13, 2024

The County Marathon Races In With Donation

PICTON, December 12, 2024 - Community support for Back the Build came racing in again from County Marathon participants.

Brian McLean, the marathon’s new race director, presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with $9,000 on December 12. The funds were donated by marathoners and community members who pledged support to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation as part of the 2024 race. As with other years, the County Marathon contributed funds as well.

“The County Marathon Committee is thrilled to be able to donate to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation's Back the Build campaign, especially now that shovels have gone into the ground on the new hospital,” said McLean.

For the past 20 years, this 42.2 km and 21.1 km race has taken runners past three lakes and through three villages while surrounding them with the beautiful autumn colours of Prince Edward County. The County Marathon committee is so grateful that the community has embraced the events, especially the many volunteers who have made it happen every year since 2004.

“I'm very proud to be part of the philanthropic community that supports our new County hospital so enthusiastically,” said Nancy Parks, chairperson of the Back the Build campaign. “The hospital provides outstanding care to many in our community. The foundation board of directors and campaign cabinet want to ensure our new hospital has the necessary equipment and resources when illness strikes. It's comforting to know that Prince Edward County will continue to have a great hospital, equipped to make a difference –all because of donors who care.”

The County Marathon committee has donated over $38,000 to PECMHF and remains committed to supporting the local hospital and community.

“The County Marathon has always depended on the support and cooperation of the Prince Edward County community. So many people from The County have come out year after year. Groups such as McDougall Insurance, Visit The County, 99.3 CountyFM, Picton Rotary, Wellington Rotary, Dairy Farmers of Prince Edward, Wellington Dukes, the extraordinary efforts of The County staff and the critically important expertise of the Prince Edward County OPP. These key entities, among others, have collectively allowed us to deliver a first-class running event year after year,” said McLean. “The Marathon Committee has always been eager to continue to give back to the community by supporting our local hospital.”

The County Marathon will host its 2025 race on Sunday, October 5. The Marathon Committee seeks new partners and volunteers for next year’s race. To learn more, email bmclean@thecountymarathon.ca.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and the patients of the hospital.

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Pictured at the front of the hospital from left: Colin Gillis, branch manager at McDougall Insurance; Trish McLean, a volunteer with the Marathon; Brian McLean, race director; Tim Johnson, technical advisor with the Marathon; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Mayor Steve Ferguson; and Libby Crombie, a member of the Back the Build campaign cabinet.

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The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1. Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.