SARAH WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) is one step closer to a new x-ray machine, thanks in part to the generous support from members of the Wellington Elks Lodge #566.
Recently, Dave Bowden, president of the Wellington Elks presented Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with a $1,000 gift for the purchase of the x-ray machine needed for the local hospital.
The funds were raised through dinners the Elks made available over the past year.
“The Elks Members thank all those who continue to support our events. Ongoing attendance at our dinners help to raise these funds. The Lodge is proud to be able to give back to our community and that includes this gift to our local hospital,” said Bowden. “It is important to keep our current hospital well-equipped as anyone could have occasion to need these services. The Elks look forward to seeing a new hospital one day but, in the meantime, we must maintain the current hospital.”
This year, PECMHF’s goal is to raise $595,000 for the x-ray machine needed at PECMH. The machine is 14 years old and needs to be replaced. The new machine will serve the current hospital and transition into the new hospital in 2027.
This donation will be matched 1:1 by the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, who have agreed to match donations designated for the x-ray machine.
“The Elks support many community causes, and the hospital foundation is grateful for being included in their funding initiatives over the past 21 years,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This gift will have double the impact thanks to the Auxiliary!”
Coull emphasized how important it is for communities to help fund their local hospitals through donations to their foundations.
“We can’t equip the hospital with leading edge equipment, like a new x-ray machine, without donors investing in our hospital. The foundation plays a critical role in providing funding for essential, specialized equipment. Donor dollars go a long way towards improving care for residents in our community who need treatment, close to home,” she said. “We are so grateful to be living in this generous community which ensures we have a vibrant hospital equipped with the best medical equipment possible.”
For those interested in supporting PECMHF’s x-ray campaign-and have that support matched by the Auxiliary- please visit: www.pecmhf.ca or call: 613-476-1008 ext. 4425.
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.