The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build campaign inched closer to its $16.5 million goal Friday.
At a small media event in front of the current Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, where the foundation has a fundraising thermometer tracking progress, it was announced that the John M. and Bernice Parrott foundation donated $750,000 to the cause.
The hospital’s family suite will be named in honour of the Parrott family.
Parrott Foundation President Lyle Vanclief was on hand to speak about the donation.
“The unwritten mandate that the board follows for the dispersement each year on behalf of the Parrott Foundation is one to improve the quality of life in the Quinte area. That can be in many, many ways. Needless to say one way is for better healthcare.”
PECMHF Executive Director Shannon Coull said that the donation brings the donation total for the Back the Build campaign up to approximately $15.7 million. She said that she doesn’t think it will be long before they reach the final goal.
“We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of support from our community. It’s hard to tell how fast we’ll reach our goal, but I don’t think it’s going to take very long to get to where we’re trying to go and I’m really excited about celebrating that milestone with our entire community.”
Coull said she is grateful for everyone who’s helped get them to the point they are at.
As far as the plans, she said that the Ministry of Health has approved the plans for the hospital and that once funding is set they’re planning on breaking ground in 2023. According to Coull the hospital is estimated to be finished in 2027.
The foundation is hosting a golf tournament fundraiser in September. Coull said the tournament is booked but they are still accepting people on the wait list for the tournament. She also said that they’re hoping to have a gala and celebration in March of 2022.
For more information on how to donate to the PECMHF’s Back the Build campaign visit www.BacktheBuild.ca
The PECMHF thermometer, seen on the wall in the front of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, tracks the funds raised towards the new hospital. (Photo: Ryan Peddigrew/Quinte News)
