It was a tasty, and record-setting, year for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Perfectly Preserved group.

The dedicated collective of canners presented a cheque for $28,000 PECMHA Past President Cathy Starkey Wednesday. It was Perfectly Preserved’s largest contribution to date, made possible by the sale of more than 3,200 jars of jam, jelly, pickles, relish, chutney, and mustard at special events and markets throughout Prince Edward County. In addition to these delectables, the group also bakes crackers, scones, pies and dozens of other specialty products.

Local produce, whenever possible, keeps freshness at the forefront of the group’s success.

“We follow the seasons, starting with marmalade in January as the first Seville oranges hit the grocery shelves. Winter carrots are perfect for pickling, before the springtime bounty of asparagus comes in, followed by summer berries and a glut of great garden produce, then autumn’s apples,” said Perfectly Preserved spokesperson Dorothy Speirs.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated fruit, vegetables, canning jars, market space and preparation space, particularly our home base, South Bay United Church,” she added. “Of course, we couldn’t do it without the support of everyone who shopped with us. Every jar purchased brings our community that much closer to making a new hospital a reality.”

In 2024 Perfectly Preserved plans to expand its efforts with more market dates and additional special events.

After all, records are made to be broken.