Estate gift benefits PECMHF

bboyce • May 23, 2023

Estate gift benefits PECMHF

D. Wynne Thomas is leaving a lasting legacy in Prince Edward County, four local charities near and dear to Wynne’s heart will be benefiting close to $2M collectively.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF), The County Foundation, Hospice Prince Edward and the Picton United Church (PUC) Foodbank announced the gift on May 16^th presented by the estate trustees, John Clarke and Cynthia Pilon.

Shannon Coull, Executive Director for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation states, “Wynne’s commitment to healthcare in Prince Edward County doesn’t just span the past and present, it extends into the future. Wynne has played an important role in Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s future by leaving a legacy gift to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF).

This bequest will help to purchase a CT Scanner for the new hospital, bringing this critical service to our hospital for the first time in our County’s history. Donors, like Wynne, are ensuring we are not only building a new hospital, we are building a GREAT hospital, potentially the first of its kind in North America. This gift is a reflection of Wynne’s lifelong commitment to community, and the betterment of others. We are enormously grateful for his forethought in including the hospital foundation in his estate plans. His generosity will have a positive impact on the quality of life for people living in or visiting The County for many years to come.”

The County Foundation Executive Director, Dominique Jones, one of the estate beneficiaries' states, “The County Foundation is honoured by this bequest from Wynne Thomas. The gift will benefit Prince Edward County for the next few decades with an annual disbursement to an organization or organizations that address a major need in the County. We will turn to Vital Signs data to determine what priorities will best benefit from this funding. Thank you, Wynne, for your continued generosity to this County.”

Sandy Barnes, executive director for Hospice Prince Edward states, "Hospice appreciates this generous gift from the Estate of D. Wynne Thomas, and all that his philanthropy has fostered within our community. Hospice Prince Edward has recently approved a strategic plan that will take into consideration viable options to ensure the future of hospice care remains robust to meet the needs of those living in Prince and Edward County and the surrounding area. This donation will provide the foundation for which these decisions will be made. We're honoured to receive this bequest."

Picton United Church (PUC) Foodbank also received a bequest from Wynne’s estate, Seona Halsey on behalf of PUC Foodbank’s volunteers commented, “in these challenging times of rising food and housing costs, the PUC Food Bank is dealing with ever-increasing numbers of people weekly. This donation has come at a very opportune time for us, and it will be put to good use to help meet the needs of our members. We are so very thankful to the estate of Wynne Thomas for this generous and thoughtful donation.”

The generosity of Wynne Thomas will leave a lasting impact on all of these collective charities and will continue to touch many lives in the area of healthcare, food security and the arts.

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Pictured from left: John Clarke, estate trustee; Barry Davidson, treasurer, Hospice Prince Edward Foundation; Sandra Barnes, executive director, Hospice Prince Edward; Dominique Jones executive director, The County Foundation; Seona Halsey, volunteer, Picton United Church Food Bank; Shannon Coull, executive director, PECMHF; Barbara McConnell, chairperson, PECMHF); and Cynthia Pilon, estate trustee announced the gift on May 16, 2023 at PECMH.

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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.