Tuesday, November 28 is a special day for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) and for our charitable partners across the region – it’s GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday is acknowledged around the world as a day for global giving. Its purpose is to encourage people to do good. Now in its 11th year, GivingTuesday has grown into a global movement that inspires millions to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.

GivingTuesday is known as the ‘opening day of the giving season.’ It is a time when businesses and individuals join and rally for their favourite causes. In the same way retailers participate in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday harnesses the kindness of people worldwide to bring about real change in their communities. It provides a platform to encourage the donation of money, time, resources and talent. It also brings together the collective power of partnerships – not-for-profits, businesses, corporations, families and individuals to encourage acts of goodwill and generosity.

But the great thing about goodwill and generosity is that they don’t have to be saved for just one day.

Whether it is making someone smile, helping a neighbour or stranger out, showing up for a cause or people we care about or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.

The holiday season is fast approaching, though it feels like it is already in full swing. Soon, our Christmas appeal letter will arrive in your Canada Post mailbox. The letter shares a testimonial from our Board Chairperson, Barbara McConnell whose husband recently spent time as a patient in our County hospital. Her letter outlines some of our current hospital's challenges in meeting today’s standard of patient care and why building a new hospital in Prince Edward County is such a priority.

The PECMH Foundation encourages our generous community to come together and consider a donation to Back the Build for our new hospital this holiday season. And thanks to Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, donations to our Christmas appeal will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000.

PECMHF has raised $20M towards our $27M goal for the new hospital. This accounts for 10% of the building cost and 100% of the furnishings and equipment costs. With approximately $7M left to raise, the time is now to invest in our hospital’s bright future.

A portion of the funds raised between now and when the doors to our hospital open in 2027 will purchase the major medical equipment needed for the new hospital and incorporate environmental sustainability enhancements and smart technology into the design. These improvements will help our Care Champions and the patients who visit our hospital over 43,000 times yearly.

Once it is built, our new hospital will advance healthcare in The County. It will be the most significant change to our local healthcare system since the first County hospital opened here in 1919.

These are challenging financial times for many, but we can all try to show generosity and share kindness with those around us. I hope you will consider making a gift to the foundation this GivingTuesday or leading up to the holiday season to help us see our local hospital build over the finish line. Your gift will have double the impact, thanks to our hospital auxiliary, and ensure we can continue to make a difference in healthcare right here at home.

For information about our hospital or to donate, call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502 or visit the foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.