The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is off to a strong start as awareness, excitement and contributions continue to build for the redevelopment of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.

PECM Hospital Foundation has assembled a strong team of prominent leaders in business, health care and the community to spearhead the effort to raise $16.5 M for Prince Edward County’s new hospital. These community champions have been playing an important role in supporting the Foundation’s Back the Build campaign to solicit and secure meaningful gifts for the project.

The Foundation raises money to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County and has undertaken its biggest fundraising endeavour in its 35-year history. A major portion of the funds generated by the $16.5-million-dollar campaign will go to cover the local share of the project, set out by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. This funding requirement includes 10 per cent of the construction costs for the new hospital as well as 100 per cent of the equipment and furniture costs.

Led by Campaign Co-Chairs, Nancy Parks and Dennis Darby, the Campaign Cabinet is supported by seven volunteer representatives from all sectors of the Prince Edward County community. Each campaign cabinet member has a special connection to the County. These enthusiastic volunteers will provide a vital link between the hospital, the region and beyond.

“When the opportunity to support the building of our new hospital was presented, I was thrilled to take on the role as Campaign Co-Chair, said Nancy Parks. “We are asking people to make a gift for something that will be a direct part of their lives, for the rest of their lives and for generations to come. This Cabinet will help inspire the donations that will create lasting legacies for the future of health care delivery in Prince Edward County. “

Among the Campaign Cabinet members are Gottfried Boehringer, Tim Casgrain, Sally Cowan, Libby Crombie, Jim Dunlop, Melanie Fida, Leo Finnegan and Don Rodney.

“Each and every one of these Campaign Cabinet members is bringing something crucial to the table,” said Dennis Darby, campaign co-chair and Foundation board member. “We’re grateful not only for their talents, but also their incredible dedication to this project. Every time we sit around the table to plan, the energy and enthusiasm is electric.”

Member Sally Cowan shares her motivation to become involved with the campaign. “I realized the importance of this project to all the residents of and visitors to Prince Edward County. I felt a responsibility to be part of the fundraising effort.”

“We are grateful to count Nancy, Dennis and the Campaign Cabinet members among our fundraising team,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Each of the members has a personal connection to our hospital and their passion for our community is helping us reach our fundraising goals.”

“Nancy and I applaud the volunteers on our Cabinet for their commitment to our hospital and our community. Each one of them are helping to advance local health care and continue to build momentum for this important campaign. We are looking forward to achieving great things for our new PECM Hospital,” said Darby.

For more information about the Back the Build please visit our new website at www.backthebuild.ca