The W.H. Tidmarsh Foundation Supports Men’s Health Care in PEI
JUNE 20, 2023
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation announced a significant donation in support of men’s health delivered at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Jack Simmonds, Chair of The W.H. Tidmarsh Foundation, announced that the Foundation is donating $500,000 in support of the Provincial Urology Service at QEH and overall men’s health care in the province.
“We chose urology as it closely matched the benefactor’s original intent to provide for a men’s community care home in Charlottetown,” said Simmonds. “We appreciate the Rotary Club of Charlottetown’s additional donation in honour of Mr. Tidmarsh.”
The Tidmarsh Board designated the donation with $300,000 for current urology care needs, and $200,000 to establish a named endowment fund to support future care of Islanders, in keeping with QEH Foundation’s tagline Care Today for Tomorrow.
W. “Harry” Tidmarsh was born in Charlottetown in 1882 and was a successful businessman, operating lobster canneries across the Island, a fox farm, and a wholesale business. In addition, he was the Founding President of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown. Mr. Tidmarsh, through his Will, formed The W. H. Tidmarsh Foundation upon his passing in 1960.
Dr. Daniel Costa, QEH Urologist, says their team welcomes this generous gift and this new equipment will enhance care through the use a new Optical Urethrotome, Resectoscopes, and a Thulium Laser, along with the named endowment fund to allow planning for future annual needs.
“We perform approximately 900 surgeries per year and some of the common treatments we deal with are diagnosing and treating prostate, bladder and kidney cancers, bladder infections, kidney stones, and urinary tract issues,” says Costa. “The new Thulium Laser will be a game-changer for patient care. This new laser can break down kidney stones much quicker and can take on larger stones than the equipment we have. The equipment is also smaller, quieter, and portable. Thank you to everyone involved with The W.H. Tidmarsh Foundation and the Rotary Club of Charlottetown for making this incredible gift.”
Corrine Hendricken-Eldershaw, President of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown, was in attendance and stated the Club was pleased to donate an additional $40,000 toward the Thulium Laser in recognition of Mr. Tidmarsh as the Founder of the first Rotary Club in PEI.
“Not only was Harry Tidmarsh a successful businessman, he saw the need for professionals to meet in a community-minded focused social gathering,” says Hendricken-Eldershaw. “In 1917, Mr. Tidmarsh, along with three close friends, established PEI’s first Rotary Club – the Rotary Club of Charlottetown and he became the Founding President. We are honouring him today by making this donation toward the new laser that will help all Islanders, men and women, who need this service.”
Mount Herbert’s Ken Pierce spoke about his recent experiences as a patient with prostate cancer.
“In 2020 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer when blood tests revealed I had increased levels of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen),” say Pierce. “I was referred to QEH Urologist Dr. Michael Mulligan and then placed in the capable hands of Radiation Oncologist Dr. Larry Pan, Dr. Aneita Head and staff in the PEICTC. I received over forty radiation treatments and have had a spectacular recovery and hope by sharing I can assist others to recover.”
John Gaudet, Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, thanked the two organizations for their kindness toward helping address the equipment needs at the Island’s largest hospital equipment.
“On behalf of Island patients and their families who need urology services we say a sincere thank you,” says Mr. Gaudet. “Your kindness will improve care to Islanders today and we will see the impact well into the future.”
Background
W. “Harry” Tidmarsh
“W. Harry” Tidmarsh was born in Charlottetown in 1882. He and his wife, Josephine (nee Blake) lived at 11 Churchill Avenue in Charlottetown, now designated as a heritage home ‘Tidmarsh House’. His business professionincluded being a lobster packer, broker and an exporter. At one time, he owned six lobster canneries including one in North Lake and Campbell’s Cove and he shipped his product around the world. He also ran a successful fox farm in Lewis Point as well as a wholesale business in Charlottetown. He formed The W. H. Tidmarsh Foundation through his Will when he passed away in 1960.
Rotary Club of Charlottetown
W. Harry Tidmarsh is the Founding President of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown. He and three close friends; namely, W.A. Stewart, H.M. VanBuskirk, and Walter S. Grant held an organizational meeting in September 1917. The Rotary Club of Charlottetown was founded a month later. It was/is PEI’s first Rotary Club. W. H Tidmarsh served as its first President and remained active for 43 years. Today, PEI is home to four active rotary clubs located throughout the province and membership is open to everyone.
QEH Provincial Urology Service
QEH is home of the Provincial Urology Service performing approximately 900 surgeries per year. Common treatments include diagnosing and treating prostate, bladder and kidney cancers, bladder infections, kidney stones, and urinary tract issues. There are three QEH urologists including Dr. Daniel Costa, Dr. Michael Mulligan and Dr. Paul Hartman as well as a team of nurses and support staff.
New Urology Equipment
Thulium Laser – $160,000
We are pleased to soon welcome a new Thulium Laser to the QEH Operating Room. The Urology team is excited to have this latest technology in place that will be a game-changer for the Island’s provincial urology services. The new laser can break down kidney stones much quicker and can take on larger stones than the previous could. The new laser will be smaller, quieter, and portable.
Resectoscopes – $160,000
Instrument inserted through the urethra and by a urologist to cut out tissue usually from the prostate – this new equipment helps the physician exactly see where the tissue needs to be cut.
Optical Urethrotome $17,500
Optical urethrotome will help improve narrowing of the urethra using this special telescope through an endoscopic procedure. The QEH now has two of these devices and the third one will allow for more efficient use of OR time and allow for back-up equipment.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
Harry MacLauchlan Memorial Golf Tournament Exceeds $1 Million for the QEH Foundation
JUNE 15, 2023
The Harry MacLauchlan ‘Great Day’ Fore Health Memorial Golf Tournament, presented by Fair Isle Ford, has reached $1 million in cumulative fundraising for the QEH – a milestone that was celebrated at the tournament’s 20th anniversary event on June 14th. Teams, sponsors, and members of the MacLauchlan family gathered at the Belvedere Golf Club for the occasion.
The tournament is hosted annually by the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty and the QEH Foundation. Over the past 20 years this tournament has had a big impact on Island heath care, funding priority medical equipment for departments throughout the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The 2023 event raised $60,134, which brings the tournament’s cumulative total to exactly $1,011,654.
Harry MacLauchlan’s outstanding and varied business achievements and community support were bolstered by his positivity, which was evident in his well-known greeting – “It’s a great day!” His greeting was truly embraced at this year’s tournament as golfers faced rainy conditions but there were smiles abound. The winner this year was Mother Nature, as thunder and lightning cut the tournament short for the first time in its history.
A tree has been planted on the first hole at Belvedere Golf Club to honour Harry MacLauchlan’s legacy and commemorate the success of this memorial tournament. This crimson maple is the first tree to be replanted since the course lost more than two thousand trees to Hurricane Fiona.
Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty event co-chairs Mike Hennessey and Jamie Currie are grateful for the community support for this year’s tournament including Presenting Sponsor Fair Isle Ford and Corporate Sponsors Canadian Tire and Island Petroleum along with Lifeline Sponsors Currie, Hughes, Mullins & Associates – IG Wealth Management, Island Coastal Services, and Johnson Insurance.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
Luxury Shed for Breast Health Care at QEH
JUNE 7, 2023
The QEH Ultimate Shed Giveaway is back with a fully furnished luxury “Cedar Shed” being raffled off in support of breast health care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Tickets for this backyard paradise are now available on the QEH Foundation’s website and at Sherwood Timber Mart – where the shed can be viewed.
The shed 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.
Breast health is an important cause for all sponsors and especially for Jennie, a “breast cancer thriver” who was diagnosed at age 30 and uses her experience to help others navigating breast cancer diagnoses.
“Breast health, especially in young people, is something we need to be talking more about. It’s something I want to support. If I can be a cup of cold water for someone else on their journey of breast cancer, that is a gift,” says Arsenault. “Breast cancer is a life-altering experience and you get through it with the help of friends and community. That’s what this project embodies – the construction community is coming together to advance breast health care for all Islanders.”
Many businesses have supported the build of the Cedar Shed by providing everything the winner will need. The construction materials were donated by Sherwood Timber Mart. The shed was built by Arsenault Bros. Construction and designed and decorated by Plank & Pine Interior design. The shed is fully furnished, insulated, and comes with a wraparound deck. Island Coastal Services has provided free delivery anywhere on PEI and onsite trenching for an electrical hookup provided by Hansen Electric.
MaryEllen Hughes, QEH Foundation Director of Philanthropy, says the Foundation is thrilled be a partner in this unique community fundraiser.
“From mammograms to ultrasounds, biopsies, lab tests, cancer treatment, and more – there are so many areas of our hospital involved in breast health care,” says Hughes. “Having this annual project dedicated to equipment and technology needs in this area is exciting news for the QEH. We’re thrilled to give Islanders the chance to win this awesome prize while supporting something so important.”
Cedar Shed tickets are $25 each, or five for $100, and can be purchased through the QEH Foundation’s website at qehfoundation.pe.ca/ultimate-shed-giveaway or at Sherwood Timber Mart. Tickets are available online until July 3rd, 2023 and the draw will take place on July 5th.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
Harry MacLauchlan Memorial Golf Tournament Tees Up for Milestone Year
JUNE 6, 2023
On Wednesday, June 14th the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty, together with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, will host the 20th Annual Harry MacLauchlan ‘Great Day’ Fore Health Memorial Golf Tournament with Presenting Sponsor Fair Isle Ford. Over the past 19 years this memorial tournament has raised over $950,000 for priority medical equipment at the QEH and the Rotary Club has set their sights on surpassing $1 million in cumulative fundraising during this milestone year.
This tournament is held each June in memory of Rotarian Harry MacLauchlan who was a passionate Islander and philanthropist. Harry’s outstanding and varied business achievements and community support were bolstered by his positivity, which was evident in his well-known greeting – “It’s a great day!”
“It’s been a great pleasure to be involved in this ‘Great Day’ tournament,” says Mike Hennessey, Rotarian and Event Co-Chair. “We’re proud of the incredible impact this tournament has had at QEH and we’re looking forward to this year’s event when we can once again honour Harry’s legacy with teams, sponsors, friends, and, of course, the MacLauchlan family.”
The organizing committee has their sights on raising $64,000 this year, a revenue that would not only exceed the cumulative $1 million in fundraising but would also fully fund a new electrocautery and argon machine for the QEH. This important equipment is used in the QEH Endoscopy Suite to cauterize polyps and prevent further advancements of colon cancer.
A full complement of teams will gather at Belvedere Golf Club for this year’s event. Anyone wishing to support the tournament through a team, prize or donation please visit QEHFoundation.pe.ca/Golf
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
QEH Foundation’s Big Day of Giving Supported by Islanders Tip to Tip
MAY 25, 2023
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – May 24 is the second annual QEH Big Day of Giving – a day for us to come together and have a BIG impact on the health care of those we love. The QEH Foundation’s Board Chair, John Gaudet, says last year’s inaugural event was an outstanding success and he hopes this year will be just as impactful for the hospital.
“A gift to the QEH Foundation is a gift to all Islanders,” says Gaudet. “We all hope we’ll never need the hospital but if we do, or a loved one does, it is comforting to know that the best possible medical equipment is in place for our dedicated health care teams. That is the power of giving.”
The QEH Foundation strives to ensure medical equipment is never a barrier to quality care at the QEH. Through an outpouring of kindness from people across PEI, and beyond, the Foundation fulfills millions of dollars in equipment and technology needs each year. With a priority list so long, every dollar counts.
“Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the province’s main referral centre’” says Gaudet. “There are specialized services to care for patients from East Point to North Cape and everywhere in between. During our Big Day of Giving we’ll share patient stories that show just how lives are changed through health care at our Island’s largest hospital.”
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation’s Big Day of Giving was an outstanding success, raising $861,061 and counting. The second annual fundraising day took place on Wednesday, May 24th, and donors responded in a BIG way!
Donations to the QEH Foundation directly support the purchase of priority medical equipment for many provincial services located at the Island’s largest hospital. The QEH is home to PEI’s Cancer Treatment Centre, the Provincial NICU, and soon, our Island’s new Mental Health & Addictions Emergency Department and Short Stay Unit. This year funds will also support the hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, as there is a need for three new X-ray machines.
“Our Big Day is a celebration of the incredible things that happen at the QEH every day,” says Foundation Board Chair John Gaudet. “Specialized health care teams at PEI’s largest hospital care for Islanders from East Point to North Cape and everywhere in between. That was certainly reflected in the donations we received from grateful donors across the province and beyond.”
Official media partners, Ocean 100 and HOT 105.5, broadcasted live from the QEH from early morning until the evening and Big Day ambassadors travelled the Island and collected donations in eastern, western, and central PEI. Heartfelt grateful patient stories were shared on air, online, and in ads with print media partner, The Guardian. Many community groups and individuals stopped by the QEH, called, or made donations online.
It’s not too late to add your support to the QEH Big Day of Giving. Please call the QEH Foundation at 902-894-2425 or online at www.QEHBigDay.ca.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
902-894-2956
kxmurphy@ihis.org
QEH Big Day of Giving Supports Health Care for Islanders Tip to Tip
MAY 17, 2023
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – May 24 is the second annual QEH Big Day of Giving – a day for us to come together and have a BIG impact on the health care of those we love. The QEH Foundation’s Board Chair, John Gaudet, says last year’s inaugural event was an outstanding success and he hopes this year will be just as impactful for the hospital.
“A gift to the QEH Foundation is a gift to all Islanders,” says Gaudet. “We all hope we’ll never need the hospital but if we do, or a loved one does, it is comforting to know that the best possible medical equipment is in place for our dedicated health care teams. That is the power of giving.”
The QEH Foundation strives to ensure medical equipment is never a barrier to quality care at the QEH. Through an outpouring of kindness from people across PEI, and beyond, the Foundation fulfills millions of dollars in equipment and technology needs each year. With a priority list so long, every dollar counts.
“Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the province’s main referral centre’” says Gaudet. “There are specialized services to care for patients from East Point to North Cape and everywhere in between. During our Big Day of Giving we’ll share patient stories that show just how lives are changed through health care at our Island’s largest hospital.”
A series of videos released for the Big Day of Giving will introduce many grateful Islanders who have been touched by care at QEH. Among them is Paul Higginbotham, a QEH ICU registered nurse of 28 years whose newborn granddaughter, Maren, was transported by LifeFlight helicopter from the Prince County Hospital to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital late last year after experiencing respiratory distress at birth. “
I knew that if Maren could just get to the QEH NICU she’d be okay,” says Higginbotham. “Dr. Brown [Neonatologist at QEH] was on the phone with the PCH health care team throughout the night until the helicopter arrived. With a highly specialized team and the right medical equipment, Maren and her family could remain on PEI for her care.”
Ocean 100 and HOT 105.5 will broadcast live from the QEH from 6 AM to 6 PM on May 24th sharing interviews with QEH staff, donors, and patients as well as providing updates on generous donations toward the Big Day of Giving. Big Day ambassadors, including long-time telethon host Marlene MacDonald, will be travelling the Island to collect donations and Foundation staff and volunteers will be prepared to accept phone calls, online gifts, and mail leading up to the day.
Donations made toward the QEH Big Day of Giving will support several provincial specialty areas of the hospital including the Provincial NICU, the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre, and the Provincial Mental Health & Addictions Emergency Room and Short Stay Unit.
Provincial Credit Union kicked off the Big Day of Giving with a donation of $25,000 to purchase five new infant feeding pumps for the Provincial NICU.
To learn more and to 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, PO Box 6600, Charlottetown PE C1A 8T5.
Wo He Lo Holds Successful Mother’s Day Online Auction
APRIL 24, 2023
Wo He Lo members are thrilled with the success of their new initiative, a Mother’s Day auction, that wrapped up on April 24th. This event is the latest in many fundraising initiatives that Wo He Lo members have organized over the past 90 years, all in support of the Island’s most fragile babies in the Provincial NICU at QEH.
Wo He Lo president Theresa Corcoran says they are delighted with the results of this first-time event.
“Thanks to everyone who kindly donated their wonderful items and to all who placed bids or made a donation, we raised $46,797,” says Corcoran. “We are thrilled to have accomplished our commitment to fund the infant simulator and purchase the OmniBed shuttle. We’d like to give a special thanks to our 50/50 winner Margaret Giddings from Charlottetown who won $1,797 and caringly donated it back to Wo He Lo to help the Provincial NICU.”
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About Wo-He-Lo:
Wo He Lo will be celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and is devoted to their motto of work, help and love. The club’s goal is to raise funds to purchase priority medical equipment to care for infants at the QEH, and to date, has raised over $1 million for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Helen Chapman
Director, Donor Relations
902-894-2432
hpchapman@ihis.org
Tulips Sale Supports New Mental Health and Addictions Ignition Fund at the QEH
FEBRUARY 6, 2023
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Colourful locally-grown tulip bouquets are a beautiful way to make a difference for PEI health care. Islanders are once again invited to brighten their home, home office, or workplace with vibrant tulips from Vanco Farms through the QEH Foundation’s annual tulips sale. This year’s cheerful fundraiser provides a welcome sign of spring while raising important funds to support the Foundation’s new Mental Health and Addictions Ignition Fund at the QEH.
Businesses and individuals can pre-order their bouquets no later than Friday, February 24 by visiting www.qehfoundation.pe.ca/tulips, calling the QEH Foundation office at 902-894-2425, or by emailing info@qehfoundation.pe.ca.
Bouquets sell for $10 with 10 stems each, and a minimum order of five bouquets.
Contactless pickup is available for pre-ordered tulips on Thursday, March 2 at either the Parkdale Sherwood Lions Bingo Hall (adjacent to Value Village) in Charlottetown from 7:30am – 2:00pm OR the Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce in Montague from 8:00am – 12:00pm.
For more information, please contact:
MaryEllen Hughes
Director, Philanthropy
902-894-0119
mthughes@gmail.com
Medavie kickstarts Mental Health & Addictions Ignition Fund with $100,000 donation
JANUARY 25, 2023
The QEH Foundation launched a Mental Health & Addictions Ignition fund on January 24, 2023, that was kickstarted with a generous donation of $100,000 from Medavie. Donations to this fund will support mental health equipment needs for upcoming expansions including the QEH mental health and addictions emergency department and short stay unit currently under construction. Pictured by the new build are QEH Foundation Board Chair John Gaudet, left, and Medavie Health Services Vice President, Operations, Matthew Crossman.
On January 24th the QEH Foundation established the Mental Health & Addictions Ignition Fund. This new initiative will support medical equipment needs for upcoming expansions to the mental health services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. In a tremendous show of support, Medavie, through the Medavie Foundation, has kickstarted the fund with a gift of $100,000.
The first of its kind for the charity, this ignition fund will expedite the equipment-funding process by raising funds in advance that can be committed immediately when needs arise.
The PEI government is currently constructing and staffing a mental health & addictions emergency department and short stay unit, which will be co-located with at QEH emergency department. Slated for completion in November 2023, there are approximately $300,000 in technology and equipment needs. Future plans include upgrades to tele-psychiatry equipment and the development of a mental health and addictions child and youth acute care unit.
Matthew Crossman, Vice President, Operations at Medavie Health Services says Medavie is proud to support medical equipment needs for these transformational health care initiatives.
“At Medavie, we are committed to the communities we serve and are proud to invest, through our Foundation, in solutions that help to address some of Canada’s most pressing health care challenges – including mental health and addictions,” shared Matthew Crossman. “We know that now, more than ever, we need to find ways to increase access to mental health and addictions supports to ensure Islanders can receive high quality care when and where they need it.”
John Gaudet, QEH Foundation Board Chair, says the Medavie Foundation’s gift is a message of support to the Island community.
“We’re grateful that Medavie, through its Foundation, has chosen to invest in mental health care for Islanders,” says Gaudet. “We thank them for placing this trust in our new initiative and leading the way for this fund to grow with support from other like-minded and generous donors.”
The equipment list for the new mental health services at QEH includes tele-psychiatry units, blanket warmers, automated cabinets for medication tracking, and specialized furniture to comfort patients in distress.
QEH Foundation Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Fund for Mental Health & Addictions Care
JANUARY 24, 2023
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation is proud to officially launch the Mental Health and Addictions Ignition Fund, dedicated to mental health and addictions care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
This fund will support several services as outlined by the Government of PEI, including medical equipment and technology for the new QEH Mental Health & Addictions Emergency Department and Short Stay Unit (MHA ED/SSU), currently under construction and slated for completion in November. The new ignition fund will also support future initiatives including a Child & Youth Acute Mental Health & Addictions Unit. As the first-of-its-kind for the Foundation, this fund will expedite the equipment-funding process by pooling donations in advance.
John Gaudet, QEH Foundation Chair, addressed donors and QEH staff at an announcement event on January 24th.
“This ignition fund is a powerful force of donor dollars,” says Gaudet. “It will allow the QEH Foundation to fund equipment and technology for mental health and addictions care. By raising funds in advance, we’ll be able to commit to fund equipment as soon as it is identified and presented to us, and without delay – both for upcoming projects or unexpected urgent needs.”
Dr. Charles Duffy, QEH Medical Director, shared updates on the new MHA ED/SSU and the impact donors will have on the health care of Islanders.
“We know in Canada approximately ten percent of emergency department visits are primarily for a mental health reason. The number is much higher when you add on those with a mental health diagnosis who also have medical needs.” says Dr. Duffy. “The location of the short stay and assessment unit adjacent to the emergency department will allow collaboration between the current emergency department physicians and staff, and the mental health physicians and staff, to address both medical and mental health needs in a seamless fashion. This will be provided in a comfortable and compassionate environment. This will hopefully remove some of the barriers of patients seeking mental health services.”
Medical equipment needs for the MHA ED/SSU currently include medication dispensing cabinets, behavioural recliners to comfort patients in distress, beds, blanket warmers to assist in recovery, tele-psychiatry technology, and more.
“The QEH Foundation’s tagline is Care Today For Tomorrow,” says Tracey Comeau, QEH Foundation CEO. “That is what this Ignition Fund will do for mental health and addictions care initiatives here at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Together, we can fulfill the immediate needs for the new emergency department and be ready as enhancements are identified, and new mental health and addictions services are added.”
The Mental Health & Addictions Ignition Fund was kickstarted with a $100,000 donation from Medavie, through the Medavie Foundation. The fund will also grow with a generous bequest from the late Betty Large, retired RN and the endowment fund of Noreen Corrigan and Family, several of whom were present at the announcement to share their grateful patient experience.
If you are interested in donating and learning more about the QEH Foundation’s Mental Health & Addictions Ignition Fund, visit the QEH Foundation’s website, visit the office in the main lobby of the QEH, or call 902-894-2425.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-295