While the County’s annual maple syrup celebration was much more muted affair in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative to bring about the new hospital was supported just the same.

Local maple producers on behalf of the Maple in the County Festival Committee presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) with a cheque for $6,000 this week.

The funding comes from proceeds of the Maple in the County To-Go Bags developed by organizers to allow for safe and socially distanced pickup of products during the weekend when Maple would typically be held.

Earlier in March, the Maple in the County organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the beloved festival for the second year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not all was lost though as the group quickly refocused their efforts to help the hospital by offering the To-Go bags, filled with local treats for curbside pick up.

“The Maple in the County team organized and procured maple-inspired treats from a number of local makers and bakers to fill 125 To-Go Bags,” said Brittany Roblin of Roblin’s Maple Syrup and the Maple in the County Marketing Committee. “Each bag was filled with treats such as syrup, pancake mix, popcorn, sugar cookies, fudge, maple themed activities and more.”

The To-Go Bags which were sold for $40 each, saw 100 per cent of the proceeds donated to the new hospital campaign. Many who purchased bags also opted to donate additional funds to the cause.

“The fundraising efforts for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital were made a little bit sweeter this week with this gift on behalf of the Maple in the County Producers,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “It’s been a challenging time for many local businesses and our foundation is extremely grateful to the maple producers and the generous patrons who purchased To-Go Bags. We are another step closer to building our new hospital thanks in part to everyone who contributed to or purchased a To-Go Bag.”

Maple lovers were able to reach out to Maple in the County producers for curbside pick up of maple syrup and other maple-y treats, but the To-Go Bags are no longer available.

The PECMHF is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise money to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.

For more information about the Back the Build Campaign, please call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502 or visit www.backthebuild.ca.