Monica Alyea, a former councillor, volunteer, and dedicated supporter of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, has been recognized for her service to this community.

The South Marysburgh resident received the 2025 Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award (LFDSA) at the PECMH Foundation Annual General Meeting June 26. Named in honour of its first recipient, the LFDSA is presented to individuals who, through their ongoing loyalty, commitment, outstanding contribution, and service, have shown dedication to and support for the Foundation, its vision, mission, and strategic imperatives and priorities.

Ms. Alyea is the fourth person to receive the award.

“Monica’s dedication, leadership, and community spirit makes her a truly deserving award recipient,” wrote Mr. Finnegan. “Her wide-ranging experience—from municipal politics to the arts—and deep community connections have been instrumental to the foundation, especially during the early planning of our new hospital.”

Champion for Care

Following her service as councillor, Ms. Alyea dedicated herself to the Foundation’s cause starting in 2011, becoming a staunch supporter of our rural hospital. Between volunteering, fundraising work, and advocacy efforts, Ms. Alyea brought her energy, heart, and leadership skills to the Foundation Board of Directors, including a term as Chairperson from 2016–2019.

There were dark times early in her tenure with the Foundation when PECMH seemed destined to be relegated to nothing more than a glorified bandaid station due to austerity pressures.

Today, a new, state-of-the-art rural hospital is being constructed next door.

When the first shovels broke ground on the new hospital site, Ms. Alyea was there with enthusiasm and pride—snapping photos, offering encouragement, and sharing the joy.

“It’s quite a story what this community and its hospital have created. Every couple of weeks I go and spend some time just looking at one of the most beautiful holes in the ground that I have ever seen. I am in awe every time,” said Ms. Alyea. “For this heart-filling journey, for this inspiring outcome, for the now gentle relationship of trust we have with Quinte Health – I am so grateful as a volunteer.”

Ripple Effect

During the award presentation, Foundation Executive Direrctor Shannon Coull noted Ms. Alyea’s passion for PECMH and its future has left a lasting impression amongst younger generations. From the time her grandson Haimish Hunter was a toddler, he was already raising money and awareness for PECMH—an early reflection of the values instilled by his ‘Eema.’

Inspired by the stories he heard at home, Haimish held his very first lemonade stand with the proceeds proudly donated to PECMH Foundation.  Haimish’s act of generosity also inspired other children to take part in community fundraising.

“This ripple effect is a testament to Monica’s influence and her commitment to cultivating community support for local health care,” Ms. Coull noted.

 At the Milford Fair and Marysburgh Mummers performances, Monica infused each occasion in which she volunteered, with spirited appeals and 50/50 draws in support of the hospital.

“Monica’s ability to think outside the box has influenced and motivated many to contribute to the efforts necessary to gain approval for our new hospital,” added Nancy Parks, Chairperson of the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet.

Ms. Alyea holds the title of Vice Chair of the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre and continues to build bridges between health-focused organizations and championing wellness and fundraising at every opportunity.