Islanders Raise Over $62,000 for Breast Health Care in Ultimate Shed Giveaway
JULY 8, 2025
Charlottetown, PE – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2025 Ultimate Shed Giveaway, raising an incredible $62,975 in support of breast health care at the QEH. This year’s grand prize, Alder Grove—a professionally designed, fully furnished luxury shed valued at over $40,000—was awarded to Rebecca Wellner of Charlottetown during a live draw held at Kent Charlottetown on July 4.
Now in its fifth year, the Ultimate Shed Giveaway is a community-driven initiative led by Jennie Arsenault of Arsenault Bros. Construction and Sara Dykerman of Plank & Pine Interior Design. This year, they were joined by Kent Building Supplies, a new sponsor who helped bring the 2025 campaign to life.
“We’re incredibly thankful to our partners, sponsors, and everyone who supported this campaign,” said Tracey Comeau, CEO of the QEH Foundation. “Each ticket purchased helps fund essential equipment our hospital needs to provide care close to home. We are proud of this unique campaign from creative design, building, through to delivery to the winner!”
Funds raised through the campaign will go toward the purchase of vital medical equipment that supports breast health care at the QEH. Last year’s proceeds helped fund a new tissue processor for the hospital’s pathology lab, which has already improved diagnostic capacity and turnaround times.
The QEH Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this year’s success—ticket buyers, volunteers, sponsors, and the dedicated team behind Alder Grove.
Media Contact:
Erin MacDonald
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
erinmacdonald@ihis.org
A Great Day for a Great Cause: $71,744 Raised at 22nd Annual MacLauchlan Memorial Golf Tournament
JUNE 17, 2025
Charlottetown, PE – June 12, 2025 – The 22nd annual Harry MacLauchlan ‘Great Day’ Fore Health Memorial Golf Tournament, presented by Fair Isle Ford, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty, was held on June 11th at Belvedere Golf Club, raising an impressive $71,744 to support medical equipment needs at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This year’s proceeds will help purchase hemodialysis equipment for the Provincial Renal Program, a vital service for Islanders living with kidney disease. With this year’s total, the tournament has now raised nearly $1.2 million since its inception in 2003, an extraordinary legacy of community-driven care.
Under sunny skies, longtime participants and new teams alike took to the course with enthusiasm and purpose, united in their commitment to improving Island healthcare. Coach Atlantic claimed top honours at this year’s tournament, rounding out a day marked by friendship, fun, and heartfelt giving.
“There’s something incredibly meaningful about the way this tournament continues to bring people together,” said Mike Hennessey, Tournament Co-Chair. “We’re proud to support our hospital and to contribute to equipment needs that help QEH healthcare teams deliver their best. The success of this event belongs to every golfer, sponsor, and volunteer who made it happen.”
The QEH Foundation also extended appreciation to the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty for their outstanding partnership.
“We are so grateful to the Rotary Club for their long-standing leadership and support,” said John Scales, QEH Foundation Board Chair. “Their commitment continues to drive the success of this tournament and make a real difference in our hospital community.”
For over two decades, this beloved event has helped fund priority medical equipment across departments at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, ensuring healthcare teams have the tools they need to care for Islanders from tip to tip. Many teams have been part of the tournament since the very beginning, a testament to the enduring power of Harry’s legacy and the Island’s generous spirit.
Event co-chairs Mike Hennessey and Jamie Currie, along with the Rotary planning committee, extended heartfelt thanks to all who made the day possible. Special appreciation goes to Presenting Sponsor Fair Isle Ford; Corporate Sponsors Canadian Tire, Island Petroleum, and the Province of PEI; and Lifeline Sponsors A&S Scrap Metals, IG Wealth Management, Island Coastal Services, Members Health, RBC Insurance, and RBC Dominion Securities, whose continued support fuels the tournament’s success year after year.
To learn more or to support the QEH Foundation, visit www.qehfoundation.pe.ca.
Media Contact:
Erin MacDonald
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
erinmacdonald@ihis.org
QEH Foundation Launches 2025 Ultimate Shed Giveaway Featuring Alder Grove
JUNE 11, 2025
The Ultimate Shed Giveaway is a fundraising project between Jennie Arsenault, Arsenault Bros. Construction Ltd; Sara Dykerman, Plank & Pine Interior Design, and our newest sponsor Kent Building Supplies, represented by Retail Operations Manager, Jim Power.
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The Ultimate Shed Giveaway is back with Alder Grove — a one-of-a-kind, professionally designed backyard luxury shed valued at more than $40,000. Tickets are on sale now at qehfoundation.pe.ca/shed, the QEH Foundation office, and all five Kent locations across Prince Edward Island.
Built with love by PEI’s finest in construction and design, Alder Grove is more than just an attractive shed. It’s insulated, wired, and fully furnished—and includes up to $1,000 in electrical hook-up and free delivery to any accessible location on PEI. Whether it becomes your peaceful escape, home office, or cozy guest retreat, it’s the perfect addition to your backyard.
This year the campaign includes an Early Bird Prize: a voucher for two WestJet tickets to any destination they serve. To be eligible, tickets must be purchased online by June 15. The Early Bird draw will take place on June 16.
Islanders can also experience Alder Grove in person during an Open House at Kent Charlottetown on Saturday, June 21.
Now in its fifth year, the Ultimate Shed Giveaway is a community-driven initiative led by Jennie Arsenault of Arsenault Bros. Construction and Sara Dykerman of Plank & Pine Interior Design, who have supported the campaign since its inception. This year, they are joined by Randy Mayne of Kent Building Supplies, a new sponsor helping bring the project to life in 2025.
To date, the campaign has raised $247,905 for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, supporting breast health through vital equipment and technology purchases. Last year’s proceeds helped fund atissue processor for the hospital’s pathology lab.
“The new tissue processor has significantly improved how we process tissue samples,” says Dr. Heidi Paulin, Department Head at the QEH Provincial Lab. “It increases our capacity by 25% and allows multiple processing programs to run at once. That means faster results and better-quality histopathology leading to more accurate diagnoses, and better care for our patients.”
This year’s funds will once again go toward equipment that supports breast health care at the QEH.
“This unique four-week campaign is a powerful example of what can happen when community, creativity, and compassion come together,” says Tracey Comeau, CEO of the QEH Foundation. “Every ticket purchased helps improve care for Islanders and supports the exceptional work of the medical teams at the QEH.
Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100 and are available online until July 2, and in person until 10:00 AM on July 4 at Kent locations or the QEH Foundation office. The grand prize draw will be held at Kent Charlottetown on Friday, July 4 at 12:00 PM and broadcast live on the QEH Foundation Facebook page.
To purchase tickets, view photos, or learn more, visit qehfoundation.pe.ca/shed
Islanders Raise $970,470 for Urgent Equipment at QEH During Big Day of Giving
MAY 22, 2025
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Islanders came together in an incredible show of support for healthcare during the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation’s Big Day of Giving on May 21, raising an outstanding $970,470 for urgently needed medical equipment and technology.
Over 24 hours, donations poured in online, by phone, and in person, helping the QEH Foundation address critical priorities such as MRI technology, an ortho c-arm for orthopedic procedures, a portable x-ray unit for bedside imaging, ultrasound machines, and bililux lights for newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“This total is a reflection of the deep generosity and compassion of Islanders,” says John Scales, Chair of the QEH Foundation Board. “Every dollar raised is helping equip healthcare teams with the tools they need to care for all of us — our families, friends, and neighbours.”
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5 broadcast live from the QEH lobby, sharing moving stories of care and resilience. Listeners heard firsthand from patients like Penny Walsh-McGuire, Chad McCormack, and parents Alex & Felicia Pratt — each one highlighting the life-changing impact of care at the QEH.
“A special gift of $88,000, combined with phone calls well into the evening and overnight on-line giving, was certainly beyond our expectations,” said Tracey Comeau, CEO, QEH Foundation. “As a result, the Foundation is able to commit to funding additional specialized equipment for the Provincial Stroke Unit, Provincial Mental Health Emergency Department, and PEI Cancer Treatment Centre.”
The QEH Foundation thanks all donors, volunteers, staff, and media partners for making this year’s Big Day of Giving such a success. Donations can still be made by visiting www.QEHBigDay.ca or calling 902-894-2425.
QEH Big Day of Giving returns May 21 to Support Urgent Equipment Needs
MAY 16, 2025
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — On Wednesday, May 21, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation invites Islanders to take part in the Big Day of Giving — a 24-hour celebration and fundraising event to support urgently needed medical equipment at the QEH.
This year, the Big Day of Giving aims to raise over $500,000 for urgent equipment needs, including support for MRI technology upgrades. Funding priorities include a software upgrade for the hospital’s MRI machine to help reduce wait times and improve diagnosis, an Ortho C-Arm for orthopedic procedures, portable X-ray units for bedside imaging, and BiliLux lights for newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“Your donation helps equip the hospital with the tools healthcare teams need to care for the people you love — our family, your neighbours, your friends,” says John Scales, chair of the QEH Foundation board. “Every dollar stays right here on the Island, strengthening care close to home for all of us.”
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5 will broadcast live from the QEH lobby, sharing inspiring stories from patients, staff and donors. Islanders can tune in, donate online or by phone, and follow along on social media as donations roll in from across the province.
Throughout the day, Islanders will hear powerful stories from patients whose lives were transformed through care at the QEH:
- You’ll meet Penny Walsh-McGuire — a breast cancer survivor and proud mom to her son, Rowan. Penny says her most difficult days came not during treatment, but after. With help from the QEH team, she found strength she didn’t know she had.
- You’ll hear about Everett Pratt, whose life began with a medical emergency. A split-second diagnosis and quick action from the NICU team helped him recover from a brain injury. Thanks to donors, the QEH now has a CritiCool device to protect future newborns in crisis.
- There’s Chad McCormack, a roofer who was left paralyzed after a fall. Thanks to the exceptional care he received at the QEH, he’s back doing the things he loves, including working on cars and training for the Paralympics in archery.
- And you’ll meet Lucas Arsenault, a professional kiteboarder who was attacked by a shark while vacationing in the Turks and Caicos. Less than a year later, he was back on the water with help from QEH’s physical medicine and rehabilitation team, who built him a custom prosthetic made for the waves.
“These stories are powerful reminders of what’s possible when the QEH has the generosity of community behind them,” says Scales. “With your help, we can turn even more moments of crisis into stories of recovery.”
To learn more or donate to the QEH Big Day of Giving, visit www.QEHBigDay.ca, call toll-free 1-833-335-0545, visit the QEH Foundation office, or mail your cheque to: QEH Foundation, P.O. Box 6600, Charlottetown, P.E.I., C1A 8T5.
Media Contact:
Erin MacDonald
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
erinmacdonald@ihis.org
902-894-2956
QEH Foundation Announces New MRI Technology Upgrade as Part of Big Day of Giving Campaign
APRIL 25, 2025
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE — The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation is proud to announce a new fundraising initiative as part of its upcoming Big Day of Giving on May 21. The foundation is launching a $95,000 campaign to fund advanced MRI technology at QEH, the only hospital in Prince Edward Island that offers MRI services.
This new campaign builds on several urgently needed equipment priorities highlighted in the foundation’s spring mail appeal. It is part of a larger effort to ensure QEH continues to provide exceptional care for Islanders across the province.
Identified as a priority by the QEH, the upgraded MRI technology will cut scan times in half for some types of imaging, allowing for approximately 20 additional patient scans each week. This means shorter wait times and faster access to important diagnoses.
“This is an exciting and impactful addition to our Big Day of Giving campaign,” said Tracey Comeau, CEO of the QEH Foundation. “We’re proud to support our provincial referral hospital with investments that have a direct impact on patient care. With the community’s support, we can make this enhancement to MRI technology a reality.”
The new MRI software will deliver faster imaging, improved image quality and enhanced patient comfort, all of which will help QEH deliver timely and accurate care.
“We’re thrilled to see this upgrade moving forward,” said Gailyne MacPherson, director of hospital services at QEH. “It will allow our team to serve more patients, more efficiently, and ultimately support better health outcomes for Islanders.”
The Big Day of Giving is an important opportunity for Islanders to show their support for local healthcare. Every donation made on May 21 will go directly toward vital medical equipment, such as the MRI upgrade, and will help make a real difference for patients across P.E.I.
Visit www.qehbigday.ca for more information.
Media Contact:
Erin MacDonald
Communications Director, QEH Foundation
erinmacdonald@ihis.org
(902) 894-2956
Friends for Life Campaign Fully Funds Critical Urology Equipment at QEH
MARCH 31, 2025
Charlottetown, PE – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation is celebrating an exciting donor achievement: the successful completion of the Friends for Life campaign, which raised $1.3 million, fully funding the replacement of a fluoroscopic operating table and critical urology equipment.
This campaign was not just about replacing aging equipment—it was about ensuring that QEH’s surgical teams have state-of-the-art tools they need to continue performing more than 700 life-saving procedures each year for Islanders facing kidney stones, bladder cancer, and prostate disease.
“This equipment is vital to the work we do every day,” said Dr. Daniel Costa, QEH urologist. “Having the right tools means we can focus on delivering the best possible care to our patients. With this new equipment, we can provide care to our full scope, and that’s thanks to the generosity of this community.”
“To every donor who made this possible—thank you. You’ve ensured that QEH medical teams have the resources they need to provide life-saving treatment right here at home,” said John Scales, QEH Foundation Board Chair. “Generous contributions of all sizes made this possible and are a tremendous example of the impact of our collective efforts.”
With this success behind us, the need to invest in medical equipment remains as important as ever. Each year, QEH has approximately $6-7 million in priority equipment needs, ensuring that equipment and related technology is never a barrier to quality care at QEH.
With your continued support, more Islanders can stay close to home for their care. Learn more about how you can be part of what’s next at www.qehfoundation.pe.ca
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation Launches “Friends for Life” Campaign with $150,000 Gift from QEH Auxiliary
DECEMBER 3, 2024
Charlottetown, PE – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation has officially launched its annual Friends for Life Campaign, aiming to raise $1.5 million to fund the replacement of critical medical equipment in the Urology department. The campaign received a strong start with a $150,000 leadership gift from QEH Auxiliary, contributing 10 per cent of the goal.
Funds raised will go towards a specialized operating room table and advanced equipment that enable urological surgical teams to diagnose and treat patients with conditions such as kidney stones, bladder cancer, and prostate disease. As PEI’s main referral hospital, QEH specialists perform more than 700 of these surgeries annually. The current equipment has reached its end of life, making its replacement critical to continuing top-quality, local care.
The QEH Foundation invites Islanders, local businesses and organizations to contribute to the 2024 Friends for Life campaign. To avoid potential delays in tax receipting, with the on-going Canada Post strike, the QEH Foundation recommends donating online or in-person to ensure timely contributions for a 2024 charitable tax receipt.
“We are incredibly grateful to the QEH Auxiliary for their generous support,” said QEH Foundation CEO, Tracey Comeau. “The vast majority of medical equipment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is funded strictly by donations from groups, businesses, and individuals, which underscores the vital role Islanders play in the delivery of healthcare close to home.”
Online donations can be made securely at www.qehfoundation.pe.ca, by phone at 902-894-2425, or in person at the QEH Foundation office. The QEH Foundation is grateful for the donations received to date. Together, we can ensure QEH remains equipped to meet the needs of Islanders today and in the future.
Yuletide Gala Auction Raises $409,221 for Life-Saving Technology at QEH
November 23, 2024
From left to right: John Scales, Board Chair, QEH Foundation; Mark Cormier, VP of Community Relations, Cavendish Farms; Leigh Read, grateful patient; Dan Whelan, successful bidder can of English Style Beans $5,300; Tracey Comeau, CEO, QEH Foundation at the 2024 QEH Yuletide Gala
Charlottetown, PE — The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation’s annual Yuletide Gala Auction lit up the Delta Hotels by Marriot Prince Edward on Saturday evening, raising an extraordinary $409,221 to fund the GI Genius, a cutting-edge AI-powered system that enhances the detection of colorectal cancer.
Featuring an incredible array of items and experiences, this year’s auction had something to captivate everyone in the room. From exclusive Island getaways to beautifully crafted artisan pieces, the offerings showcased the generosity and talent of the community while fueling an exciting night of bidding.
The night’s most poignant moment came when grateful patient Leigh Read took the stage. Leigh shared his story of resilience and gratitude for the QEH healthcare team, whom he described as his “Wonderwall” for providing unwavering care and support during his six-year battle with serious health challenges.
“This hospital didn’t just care for my body; it supported my spirit,” said Leigh. “I am not sure I would be here with you today if not for the dedication of this hospital and everyone in it. You are all heroes, and I am eternally thankful I get to be here tonight to celebrate you.”
Leigh then invited all healthcare heroes in the room to stand and be recognized, leading to a heartfelt round of applause that filled the room with emotion.
As a light-hearted gesture to kick off the auction, organizers auctioned a can of English Style Beans after Leigh shared a story about dropping a can of beans on his foot that would not heal, resulting in a hospital visit where tests revealed numerous health issues.
Cavendish Farms, a steadfast supporter of the Yuletide Gala Auction, once again served as the presenting sponsor, underscoring their ongoing commitment to advancing health care on PEI.
“The success of tonight’s event is a testament to our incredible community” said John Scales, Chair of the QEH Foundation Board. “This support ensures that Island patients can continue to receive exceptional care, right here at home.”
The QEH Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made this evening unforgettable. Together, we are creating a brighter, healthier future for all Islanders.
“Pine Haven” Luxury Shed Raffle to Support Breast Health Care
JUNE 13, 2024
CHARLOTTETOWN – The Ultimate Shed Giveaway returns with this year’s luxury backyard getaway, Pine Haven. Valued at almost $40,000, Pine Haven is a backyard paradise being raffled off to support breast health care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). Tickets are available now at the QEH Foundation’s office and website, and at Sherwood Timber Mart where the shed can be viewed.
This year’s shed comes insulated, wired, beautifully decorated and fully furnished – complete with a bed to be the perfect guesthouse! The shed includes free delivery, on-site trenching and electrical hook-up within Prince Edward Island.
The Ultimate Shed Giveaway is a passion project for Jillian Sexton of Sherwood Timber Mart, Jennie Arsenault of Arsenault Bros. Construction, and Sara Dykerman of Plank & Pine Interior Design. Together these women have sponsored the project while dedicating their time and construction savvy to bring their vision to life.
In just three years the fundraiser has raised over $160,000 to support priority medical equipment needs at the QEH, primarily breast health care. Proceeds have helped to fund a new mammography machine and, just last year, equipment for the Provincial Laboratory that is used to process tissue samples from breast biopsies.
Greg Dobbin, Chief Technologist of the QEH Histology Laboratory says the automated tissue-cassette printer purchased last year with support from the Ultimate Shed is improving patient safety.
“All surgical specimens submitted to the Histology Lab are sampled and processed within these tissue-cassettes,” says Dobbin. “Surgical specimens can include such specimens as breast tissue, gastro-intestinal specimens, skin biopsies and many others. Automated printers eliminate the risk of human error that can occur when items are labelled by hand. Moreover, they provide the ability to print a unique two-dimensional bar-code on each specimen cassette. These new state-of-the-art cassette printers allow us to avoid the risk of potentially catastrophic mis-match errors thus ensuring the highest degree of patient safety for Islanders.”
MaryEllen Hughes, Director of Philanthropy for the QEH Foundation, says the Ultimate Shed Giveaway is a testament to the good that can be done in the community when we work together.
“Every year the shed is incredibly designed and built,” says Hughes. “Thanks to the supporters who purchase tickets, and the incredible construction, design and home furnishing industry for ensuring that 100% of all materials, decor and labour are donated or sponsored. We are so grateful that such generous people are working together each year on this project to support Islanders and advance the exceptional care offered at the QEH.”
Proceeds from the Pine Haven shed will support critical medical equipment needs for the QEH to support breast health. You can view photos of the shed online or in person at Sherwood Timber Mart at 167 Minna Jane Drive in Charlottetown.
Ultimate Shed Giveaway tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100 and can be purchased online until July 2nd at QEHFoundation.pe.ca. You can also purchase tickets in person until July 5th at 10:00 AM at the QEH Foundation office or Sherwood Timber Mart. The draw will be held at Sherwood Timber Mart on July 5th at 12:00pm and will be broadcasted live on the QEH Foundation Facebook page.
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956