Friends for Life Campaign Supports Critical Care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
MARCH 19, 2026
Charlottetown, PE — The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation is celebrating the successful wrap-up of this year’s Friends for Life campaign, raising $3.45 million to support essential medical equipment and clinical priorities across three critical areas of care: the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and Mental Health and Addictions Care.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, this year’s campaign is funding a number of priority equipment needs within these three critical care areas. Highlights include a new ultrasound machine in the Intensive Care Unit that enhances rapid bedside diagnostics for stroke, cardiac, and other urgent conditions, a new universal procedure chair for the Emergency Department to support safe, efficient, and flexible patient care, and new equipment for Mental Health and Addictions Care to assist with patient monitoring and assessments.
A new feature of this year’s campaign was Kitchen Party for Care, a virtual celebration that invited Islanders to share music, dance, and joy online in support of the QEH. For every video posted using the hashtag #KitchenPartyForCare, Markan Group of Companies donated $100, and with over 60 videos submitted, they generously topped up their donation to $10,000. The initiative offered a fun and meaningful way for Islanders to get involved while helping raise funds for priority needs at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
“Donor support plays a vital role in ensuring the QEH has the equipment and related technology needed as part of delivering quality care,” said Tracey Comeau, QEH Foundation CEO. “Every dollar combined helps put essential tools into the hands of healthcare teams, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who made this year’s campaign a success.”
The Friends for Life campaign is part of the QEH Foundation’s year-round commitment to raising funds for urgent medical equipment and clinical priority needs at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. With more than $8.2 million in identified needs at QEH this year alone, donor support remains essential to ensuring the QEH is equipped for today and prepared for tomorrow.
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Media Contact
Erin MacDonald
QEH Foundation
Director, Communications
Email: erinmacdonald@ihis.org
Phone: 902-894-2956
Edward & Sandra Clark Nuclear Medicine Suite Named at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
FEBRUARY 12, 2026
Charlottetown, PEI — The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation yesterday announced the naming of the Edward & Sandra Clark Nuclear Medicine Suite, recognizing a generous gift of over $1 million that fully funded the province’s newest state-of-the-art SPECT-CT system.
Edward and Sandra Clark, long-time Island business leaders and community supporters, have a deep history with the QEH. Ed served on the QEH Foundation Board from 2008 to 2014 and played an active role in the Foundation’s Care Today for Tomorrow capital campaign, during which the Clarks made a leadership gift. Their latest investment continues a legacy of strengthening healthcare for Islanders.
“The Clarks’ generosity strengthens the Foundation’s ability to respond to the hospital’s highest priorities.” says John Scales, Chair of the QEH Foundation. “Their continuing commitment ensures we can continue delivering essential equipment that supports world-class care right here on PEI.”
The new system replaces a 14-year-old scanner that has reached the end of its service life. The upgraded technology provides sharper images, greater reliability, and more efficient exams, supporting more than 1,700 Islanders each year. With quicker scan times it is anticipated that more patients can be served per year.
“This new SPECT-CT is essential for diagnosing and guiding treatment for serious health conditions, and its arrival ensures Islanders can continue to receive this quality care close to home,” said Julie Sinclair, Provincial Director of Diagnostic Imaging. “Patients and our healthcare team will benefit greatly from this extraordinary investment.”
Ed and Sandra Clark attended the recognition announcement, underscoring their long-standing commitment to the QEH. Their support over the years has played an important role in advancing care for Island families who rely on the hospital.
The QEH Foundation and nuclear medicine team expressed its deep appreciation to the Clarks for their continued commitment to strengthening healthcare in Prince Edward Island. Their generosity ensures QEH healthcare teams have advanced diagnostic imaging today and for years to come.
Media Contact
Erin MacDonald
QEH Foundation
Director, Communications
Email: erinmacdonald@ihis.org
Phone: 902-894-2956
Bevan Enterprises Gifts Apartment for Families to Stay Close to Care at QEH
DECEMBER 23, 2025
Charlottetown, PE — Families facing urgent exceptional medical needs at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital will now have access to a safe, welcoming place to stay close to care—when circumstances are most critical—thanks to a generous combined gift from Bevan Enterprises and Bevan Bros.
The QEH Comfort Suite, a two-bedroom apartment located in Charlottetown, will be reserved for patients and families who must remain near the QEH during difficult medical journeys. Patients will be assigned by referral from the QEH Social Work Department, which will identify those with the greatest need.
“This joint gift from Bevan Enterprises and Bevan Bros. ensures QEH Social Work Team has this important tool for delivering care,” said John Scales, Chair of the QEH Foundation Board. “Community partnerships like this bring a lot of comfort to families during some of life’s most challenging moments, and we are incredibly grateful to the Bevans for their generosity and commitment to Islanders.”
Islanders rallied to help furnish the Comfort Suite in record time. Through a 48-hour online appeal, the QEH Foundation raised $10,250 to fund everything from beds and linens to kitchen and bathroom essentials. The budget stretched even further thanks to remarkable community support: Canadian Tire – Charlottetown donated the entire essentials list—from the TV and air fryer to dishes, cleaning supplies, and paper towels—while Hambly’s Furniture ensured the apartment has high-quality durable furnishings by providing a 50% discount on all bedroom, living room, and dining room pieces, complete with delivery and setup. Tosh Co. added the finishing touches with décor and accessories.
Julie Fitzpatrick-Hopkin, QEH Social Work Manager, added: “Our team sees firsthand the gaps families face during treatment, so being able to welcome them into the QEH Comfort Suite means so much. Travel and accommodation costs can create real barriers to intensive care, adding stress at an already difficult time. This gift allows patients and their support networks to stay close to the hospital without carrying that extra burden.”
Bevan Enterprises said the decision to provide the apartment was rooted in a desire to ease the strain for Islanders. “We believe families should be able to focus on care,” said Trevor Bevan, Vice President of Bevan Enterprises. “If the Comfort Suite can bring a little relief during difficult times, we are honoured to be part of making that possible.”
The QEH Comfort Suite reflects the Foundation’s expanded mission. After 40 years of focusing solely on funding priority medical equipment, the Foundation now also supports clinical priorities that enhance patient and staff wellness. The Foundation’s QEH Social Work Fund is a rapid-response resource that empowers Social Workers to meet urgent patient needs with compassion and speed.
Islanders can learn more about the QEH Comfort Suite and the QEH Social Work Fund at:
https://qehfoundation.pe.ca/ways-to-give/qeh-social-work-fund/
$1 Million Gift from Ladner Family Recognized through Naming at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
DECEMBER 17, 2025
John Scales, QEH Foundation Chair, Terry Campbell, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Administrator, Kevin and Kim Ladner, and Tracey Comeau, QEH Foundation CEO at the unveiling of the Ladner Reid Commons, in recognition of the Kevin and Kim Ladner Endowment Fund.
Charlottetown, PEI – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation today announced a generous $1 million gift from Kevin and Kim Ladner to establish the Kevin & Kim Ladner Endowment Fund in honour of their fathers, Cecil Ladner and Francis Reid.
This endowment fund is the first of its kind at QEH dedicated to enhancing the care environment and will provide annual income to support upgrades and beautification of hospital spaces, including the cafeteria. In recognition of this extraordinary gift, the Foundation unveiled the naming of the Ladner Reid Commons, a welcoming area that includes The Abegweit Room, a private dining room, music corner, and the creation of an outdoor terrace with seating where staff can enjoy the fresh air during breaks and lunch.
In 2024, the QEH Foundation broadened its mission beyond funding medical equipment to include clinical priorities that support patient and staff wellness. The Ladner’s gift represents a significant step forward in realizing that vision, ensuring the hospital environment supports the well-being of both patients receiving care and staff delivering it.
“On behalf of the Foundation, I express our sincere gratitude to Kevin and Kim for this extraordinary act of generosity,” said John Scales, QEH Foundation Board Chair. “Their gift honours the memory of their fathers while ensuring that future generations of staff, patients, and families benefit from spaces that foster wellness and connection. The impact of this gift will be felt every day within our hospital community.”
Terry Campbell, QEH Administrator added, “when our staff are supported, our patients benefit. This is an exciting time for QEH.
The endowment will provide a sustainable source of funding for improvements often beyond the reach of standard budgets — from modernizing and enhancing gathering areas to creating spaces that promote wellness and appreciation. These investments will ensure the hospital remains welcoming and functional, while paying tribute to the values embodied by Cecil Ladner and Francis Reid.
Kevin and Kim Ladner, lifelong Islanders and longtime supporters of the QEH Foundation, shared that the gift honours their fathers’ belief in community and connection.
“Our fathers believed that strong communities were built through trust, respect, and shared purpose,” said Kevin Ladner. “This gift is our way of ensuring their legacy continues in a space where people can gather, rest, and share moments that matter.”
The Ladner Reid Commons will serve as a lasting tribute to Cecil Ladner and Francis Reid, while strengthening the hospital environment for generations to come.
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Media Contact:
Erin MacDonald
QEH Foundation
Director, Communications
Email: erinmacdonald@ihis.org
Phone: 902-894-2956
QEH Auxiliary strengthens Friends for Life campaign with Leadership Gift
Charlottetown, PE — One of Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s most enduring supporters has once again stepped forward in a critical moment of need.
The QEH Auxiliary has made a leadership gift over $246,000 to the QEH Foundation’s Friends for Life campaign, helping strengthen lifesaving care across the hospital and providing vital support for patients and families during their most critical moments.
This leadership gift will fund urgently needed replacements for medical equipment in both the Intensive Care Unit and Labour & Delivery Unit, including five ICU defibrillators, two birthing beds and new epidural pumps. The Auxiliary has also directed part of this funding to the newly established QEH Social Work Fund, which is available to the social work team to help families navigate complex care, emergency support and manage emotional and financial stress during times of crisis. These investments strengthen critical care when every second counts, provide safer, more comfortable care for mothers and babies during childbirth, and extend compassionate support beyond medical treatment.
As part of this total, proceeds from the Auxiliary’s Wo He Lo Fall Sale contributed $46,961.51 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). These funds have been put to work for the purchase of a video laryngoscope and a new cribette, ensuring specialized care for newborns who need it most.
“The QEH Auxiliary has been a constant presence through generations of care at this hospital. Their generosity reflects a deep sense of responsibility for our community and a genuine commitment to making a difference,” said John Scales, chair of the QEH Foundation board. “We are incredibly grateful to the QEH Auxiliary for the leadership they continue to show and the impact they make every single day.”
Over the past 40 years, the QEH Auxiliary has contributed more than $6.3 million to the Foundation, supporting patients, families and care teams across Prince Edward Island and making a lasting impact in nearly every area of care.
This gift comes at a critical time, as the hospital faces more than $8.2 million in equipment and clinical priority needs this year alone. Through the Friends for Life campaign, the QEH
Foundation is helping address the hospital’s most urgent priorities in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and Mental Health and Addictions Care.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit qehfoundation.pe.ca/friends-for-life.
Media Contact:
Erin MacDonald
QEH Foundation
Director, Communications Email: erinmacdonald@ihis.org
Phone: 902-894-2956
Yuletide Gala Auction Raises Over $450,000 for Critical Care Priorities at QEH
NOVEMBER 23, 2025
Charlottetown, PE – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation’s annual Yuletide Gala Auction illuminated the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward on Saturday evening, raising $451,909 in support of critical and clinical priorities across three vital areas of the hospital: the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and Mental Health & Addictions Care. This year’s event welcomed a record-breaking crowd of more than 400 guests, making it the largest Yuletide Gala Auction in Foundation history.
Guests enjoyed an exciting lineup of unique auction items, including exclusive getaways, one-of-a-kind experiences, and locally crafted treasures, all contributing to an atmosphere of spirited bidding and community generosity.
A highlight of the evening was the story shared by Chad McCormack, who spoke about the lifesaving and life-changing care he received at the QEH following a sudden spinal injury. Chad also recognized his healthcare heroes who supported him through recovery, inviting them to stand as the room applauded their extraordinary commitment.
Following Chad’s story, an impromptu appeal was introduced to help fund urgently needed wheelchairs that will directly support patient care at the QEH. The room responded with extraordinary generosity, fully funding 20 wheelchairs.
Presenting Sponsor Cavendish Farms delighted guests with a surprise announcement that they will continue in this lead role for the next three years, reaffirming their longstanding commitment to advancing healthcare on Prince Edward Island.
“The success of tonight’s event reflects the incredible generosity of our Island community,” said John Scales, Chair of the QEH Foundation Board of Directors. “These contributions will enable the hospital to invest in essential equipment and advance clinical priorities that will benefit Islanders and QEH healthcare teams now and into the future.”
The QEH Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made the 2025 Yuletide Gala Auction a remarkable evening. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for all Islanders.
John Scales, Chair of the QEH Foundation Board of Directors; Mark Cormier, Vice President of Community Relations, Cavendish Farms; grateful patient Chad McCormack; and Tracey Comeau, CEO of the QEH Foundation, at the 2025 Yuletide Gala Auction in Charlottetown.
Media Contact:
Erin MacDonald, Director of Communications
QEH Foundation
erinmacdonald@ihis.org
902-894-2956
QEH Foundation Launches Friends for Life Campaign to Support QEH Priority Needs
OCTOBER 7, 2025
Charlottetown, PE — The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation has officially launched its annual Friends for Life campaign, supporting fundraising efforts for the $8.2 million in identified medical equipment and clinical priorities at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
This year’s campaign focuses on three high-impact areas of care: the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and Mental Health & Addictions Care. These are the areas of service Islanders depend on in their most critical and vulnerable moments — and where access to life-saving equipment can make all the difference.
“This is the largest costing of priorities that the Foundation has faced in one year,” said John Scales, QEH Foundation Board Chair. “Islanders have always shown incredible generosity, and time and again our community steps up for healthcare. With the vast majority of medical equipment and clinical priorities funded through donations, donor support plays a critical role in ensuring the QEH is equipped to deliver safe, timely, and compassionate care.”
The Friends for Life campaign is about more than funding equipment — it’s about ensuring that when Islanders need care most, the QEH is ready. And this year, there’s a new way to get involved.
To amplify the spirit of community and care, the QEH Foundation is launching Kitchen Party for Care, a virtual celebration inviting Islanders to dance, sing, and play music in support of Island healthcare. Whether it’s a kitchen jig, a fiddle tune, or a family singalong, Islanders are encouraged to share their talents and joy online.
For every video uploaded to Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #KitchenPartyForCare and tagging the QEH Foundation, a local business will donate $100 towards the $8.2 million goal. Leading the charge is Markan Group of Companies, pledging up to $10,000 to kick off the party.
“This is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of what makes our Island community so special,” said Erin MacDonald, QEH Foundation Director of Communications. “We rely on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for life changing moments, and everyone can play a part. All ages can participate in this fun and meaningful way to raise awareness, give back, and support the care and care providers at QEH.”
To learn more about the Friends for Life annual campaign or how to take part in the Kitchen Party for Care celebration, visit https://qehfoundation.pe.ca/friends-for-life/. With the recent Canada Post strike potentially impacting mail delivery and charitable tax receipting, the QEH Foundation encourages Islanders to make their donations online, by phone, or in person. Contributions can be made securely at qehfoundation.pe.ca, by calling 902-894-2425, or by visiting the QEH Foundation office.
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Media Contact:
Erin MacDonald
QEH Foundation
Director, Communications
Email: erinmacdonald@ihis.org
Phone: 902-894-2956
2025 Annual General Meeting
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Inc.’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 23 at 4pm. The meeting will take place in Classroom A/B on the 3rd floor of the QEH.
Members* may register to attend by contacting our office at 902-894-2425 or info@qehfoundation.pe.ca
*Donors in our 2024-25 fiscal year.
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