The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation received an early Christmas gift from a group of volunteers who have a big heart for their hospital.

Again this year, due to COVID-19, traditional in-person events like the Festival of Trees could not be held. This did not dampen the festive spirits of the hospital’s volunteer group who work hard each year to usher in the holiday season by bringing the year’s most anticipated auction to life.


The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary was pleased to continue their tradition of giving with a gift to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation again this year. On Wednesday, a small group of Auxiliary volunteers joyously presented the proceeds raised at the 2021 Festival of Trees online auction that took place from November 12 to November 26.

Festival patrons supporting the Auxiliary’s 14th annual Festival of Trees raised $50,000 for the purchase of a portable cardiac monitor needed for the Endoscopy Department at Quinte Health Care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (QHC PECMH). This piece of equipment was identified by QHC as being a priority to be purchased within the PECMHF’s 2021/22 fiscal year which ends March 31, 2022.

On average, over 3,000 endoscopic procedures are performed each year at QHC PECMH. Access to a portable cardiac monitor in our County hospital’s Endoscopy Department allows staff to support patients post procedure by monitoring of a wide range of vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, airway flow, and pulse rate.

“Having this portable cardiac monitor will allow timely access to vital equipment, particularly when a patient’s symptoms warrant closer monitoring,” said Lisa Mowbray, manager of patient services and site lead at QHC PECMH. “Although the majority of patients recover just fine after a procedure in the Endoscopy department, there are times where critical scenarios unfold. This diagnostic tool allows the medical team to diagnose concerns and determine the best direction of care.”

The Auxiliary is very grateful to our volunteers who provide hundreds of hours of their time planning and executing this annual event. The Festival of Trees is the largest fundraising project that is held by the volunteer group.

“The Festival of Trees committee along with the PECM Hospital Auxiliary board and volunteers extend a heartfelt thank you to the people who donated, and bid on the wonderful auction items, purchased baked goods or preserves from the Perfectly Preserved team, or bought items from the Second Time Around Shop Christmas boutique,” said Liz Jones, manager of the Festival of Trees. “Again this year, our community showed up and was very generous in both donating and bidding.” 

There were 151 fabulous items to bid on as part of this year’s Festival of Trees.

The Perfectly Preserved group spent countless hours in the kitchen and at summer markets, as well as providing holiday treats by pre-order. This was the perfect recipe for success and their efforts contributed greatly to the overall success of the Festival of Trees. 

The Second Time Around Shop volunteers collect, throughout the year, the very best donated items to be sold in their Christmas Boutique. They expanded their hours to accommodate the many shoppers clamouring to buy. This initiative is highly sought after by the community and is a huge boon to the Festival's overall goal.

 “Through these contributions, the PECMH Auxiliary are making a big impact on the well-being and safety of patients visiting the hospital,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Our patients are fortunate to have such a committed team of volunteers fundraising on their behalf. On average, the staff at QHC PECMH manage over 40,000 patient visits annually. Thanks to our donors, including the PECMH Auxiliary, our dedicated team of Care Champions continue to have access to the equipment and tools they need to be able to provide you and your loved ones with the care you deserve, close to home. Community support is so important because medical equipment is not paid for by the government. Your donations support the skilled and compassionate care that is happening every day inside the hospital.”

 “The Auxiliary is indebted to many people, who have worked enthusiastically and tirelessly to make the Festival of Trees a very special online event: our sponsors and donors, the Festival Committee, our volunteers and friends who worked many hours, all those who baked and preserved and purchased goods at the various markets over the summer, or those who visited the Second Time Around Shop boutique,” said Cathy Starkey, president of the PECMH Auxiliary.

The Auxiliary looks forward to more Festivals in the coming years and particularly to a time where we will all be able to meet again in person!

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