It is a million-dollar day for the future home of Quinte Health Care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Today, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary volunteers demonstrated that they are a fundraising force to be reckoned with.

Auxiliary representatives presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation team with their fifth and final pledge installment on Monday to help Back the Build for a new hospital in Prince Edward County.

Today’s donation installment of $116,000 completed the Auxiliary’s pledge of $1M for the new hospital campaign. The Auxiliary made their first pledge payment in March of 2019 but their partnership with the PECMH Foundation goes back more than 35 years.

“We can’t thank our Auxiliary family enough for their commitment to Backing the Build for our new hospital,” said Shannon Coull, executive director, PECMH Foundation. “When it comes to commitment and passion for our County hospital, the dedication from the members of our hospital’s volunteers are unmatched. Their completion of this extraordinary pledge to help Back the Build is crucial to helping us get our new hospital built. What an amazing achievement!”

For the volunteers with the PECMH Auxiliary, the decision to Back the Build in support of the rebuilding of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital wasn’t a difficult one. In fact, the Auxiliary was the first group to step forward and commit to raising funds for the new build.

“The Auxiliary has an established history of fundraising in support of priority equipment that benefits patient care at PECMH,” said Cathy Starkey, president of the PECMH Auxiliary. “Our volunteers and community members across Prince Edward County understand the importance of coming together and improving health care for the patients of the hospital. In spite of the hospital build taking more time, we’re continuing to give now to ensure the foundation has access to the funds as soon as they are needed. The project is moving forward and the Auxiliary wanted to be at the forefront of leading the fundraising effort to get the new hospital built.”

Auxiliary members recognize how important it is to ensure visitors to and residents of Prince Edward County have access to a leading edge facility equipped with modern equipment and facilities.

“We see our local hospital as one of the highest priority assets in our community. We are thrilled to be investing in the bright, healthy future that lies ahead for the new QHC PECMH,” said Starkey. “Thanks to our volunteers for their year-round efforts towards this tremendous achievement. Our new hospital will help ensure the County continues to be one of the most attractive communities to live and visit in the province. And a special thanks to the members of the community who support our Second Time Around store and the other fundraising events we do.”

“This transformative donation energizes the Back the Build campaign even further,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chair. “The Auxiliary is so passionate about giving back to our community and the hospital. Their efforts continue to improve care and give patients an opportunity to receive exceptional health care services, close to home where they can be surrounded by family and friends. On behalf of the Back the Build campaign cabinet, we would like to thank the Auxiliary volunteers for their incredible investment in our new hospital.”

In gratitude for this extraordinary donation, the new hospital’s inpatient unit will be named in honour of the PECMH Auxiliary.

“The foundation has a long and trusted history with the PECMH Auxiliary. This is a unique partnership. The Auxiliary not only supports and assists Quinte Health Care, Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, its patients and staff through hands on assistance with healthcare delivery, but they are also helping our foundation to raise significant funds. It is a great pleasure to celebrate this million-dollar achievement with the Auxiliary today,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation.

“We can’t think of a better way to give back to our hospital than investing in the new one,” said Starkey. “Our volunteers admire the outstanding care given to patients, while staff cope with never ending maintenance concerns in the current building. We’re very lucky to have a hospital so close to home, and our volunteers are doing everything they can to keep it that way.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Back the Build Campaign, please call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502. Information can also be found at www.backthebuild.ca.