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.
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
QEH Digital Mammography Machine Funded with $600,000 Gift from Master Packaging
JANUARY 19, 2023
Staff of the QEH Diagnostic Imaging Department are praising the leading-edge advancements of two digital mammography machines that were funded last year. The QEH Foundation is proud to announce that in an act of incredible generosity, Master Packaging committed $600,000 to fund one of the machines in its entirety. What’s more, the new machine replaced an older model that Master Packaging funded in 2008.
“At Master Packaging, our team shares a commitment and a passion to giving back to the communities where we live and work,” said Mary-Jean Irving, CEO of Master Packaging. “As a breast cancer survivor, I want to ensure the women of Prince Edward Island have access to the best breast care possible. The new digital technology will assist with early and easier detection of breast cancer. The Master Packaging team is honoured to assist our community with this new donation.”
Prior to 2008, QEH mammography machines used film. Advancing to digital mammography allowed for quicker diagnoses, as images no longer had to be developed. The machines funded in 2022 bring many additional benefits, including a reduced need for invasive biopsies, the ability for radiologists to more easily see breast cancers, and less radiation delivered to the breast.
“I was here when we upgraded machines in 2008, and once more in 2022,” says QEH radiologist Dr. Kim Hender. “I’ve seen first-hand the impact of donor support – and we’ve saved lives because of it. We couldn’t do what we do without donations and I want to thank everyone who has invested in Island health care by supporting our department.”
Patsy MacLean, QEH Foundation past-chair, expressed her appreciation to Master Packaging for their generous support of the mammography equipment through QEH Foundation’s Friends for Life Campaign.
“On behalf of the QEH Foundation I extend my sincere thanks to Ms. Irving and all employees of Master Packaging for their continuing support of mammography in PEI,” says MacLean. “With more than 8,500 screening and diagnostic mammograms performed each year at the QEH, it is easy to see just how many lives will be touched by this new equipment.”
QEH Foundation Launches Campaign to Fund Equipment Needed for Emergency Care
NOVEMBER 24, 2022
The QEH Foundation launches its 2022-23 Annual Friends for Life campaign today to support the QEH Emergency Department. More than $1 million in priority medical equipment is needed for emergency care at the Island’s main referral hospital.
“Islanders are still feeling the compounding effects of the global pandemic and the destructive hurricane that hit our province,” says QEH emergency physician Dr. Trevor Jain. “It is during these trying times that we are reminded of the crucial role that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital plays in emergency preparedness and response for PEI.”
Part of this preparedness is having the right medical equipment in place for the health care team, something that Dr. Jain says is important in reducing the extra cognitive load on care providers.
“When we’re in an intense situation, we know we’re not working with second-class gear,” says Dr. Jain. “We’re working with first-class, top-tier gear and we don’t have to troubleshoot. This makes our job so much easier and the patient directly benefits.”
Staff of the QEH have identified equipment needs in the emergency department as well as the intensive care unit and provincial laboratory at QEH. Among those needs are a brain monitoring system, a hematology analysis system, and additional portable ultrasound machines.
Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation John Gaudet says many Islanders, Islanders living away, and seasonal residents give an annual donation to the QEH at this time of year.
“We are pleased to have the familiar face of Dr. Trevor Jain lending support to this year’s campaign,” says Gaudet. “During the past few years, Islanders recognize his dedication to keeping us safe and we know how important emergency care is to our Island. We hope our community will continue to make QEH a priority for their giving this year.”
Gaudet adds the QEH Emergency Department is a gateway to our hospital, with an average 115 patient visits per day and approximately 42,000 patient visits per year in the department.
“I was about to return to Ontario after a wonderful summer in Stanhope when Hurricane Fiona hit,” says Allan. “I recently sold a small cottage and from that had assets with capital gains. I decided to transfer shares as a tax-efficient way to help the QEH Emergency Department and the Provincial Laboratory. These are both areas that come into play in the care of seasonal residents, and all Islanders.”
The majority of medical equipment needs at the QEH are funded by donations. To donate to the QEH Foundation’s Friends for Life Campaign, please call the Foundation office at 902-894-2425, go online to www.qehfoundation.pe.ca or mail a cheque to the QEH Foundation, PO Box 6600, Charlottetown, PE C1A 8T5. Donors from USA can donate online as well to US Friends of Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
QEH Foundation Yuletide Gala Auction raises $367,048
NOVEMBER 19, 2022
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation held its annual Yuletide Gala Auction event at the Delta Prince Edward for the first in-person gala in two years, raising $367,048 to fund priority medical equipment for the provincial laboratory at QEH.
QEH Foundation Board of Directors expresses their heartfelt thanks to Presenting Sponsor, CN, and Diamond Sponsor, Cavendish Farms, for supporting this important fundraising event for the Island’s main referral hospital.
John Gaudet, QEH Foundation Chair, says hosting the event meant a great deal to the over 250 guests who purchased tickets, as they could not get together the past two years because of the global pandemic.
“We are excited to see everyone in person again and thank all who attended,” says Gaudet. “We also acknowledge the remarkable generosity of all sponsors, friends of the gala, prize donors and volunteers. We are pleased about this evening’s success as it has helped supply a large portion of the funding for a new Hematology Analysis System.”
Shane Buchanan, QEH Laboratory Manager, says the present system is ten years old and the new Hematology Analysis System will replace an older model that is past its life expectancy.
“This system is the work-horse of the department and seventy percent of all diagnoses that come from a physician comes from a lab test done in this laboratory.”
— Shane Buchanan
“The new system will be fully automated and bring new digital technology to our microscopic work, providing improvements in both the quality and efficiency,” Buchanan says.
CBC’s Matt Rainnie was master of ceremonies for the evening and guest auctioneer was Kevin ‘Boomer’ Gallant. Guests enjoyed live entertainment from the Love Junkies, who helped complete the evening on a festive note.
The QEH Foundation gratefully acknowledges the heartfelt community effort that went into making this memorable evening a success.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
QEH Foundation
Director, Communications
902-894-2956
kxmurphy@ihis.org
QEH Foundation’s Annual Yuletide Gala Returns
November 7, 2022
The QEH Foundation is thrilled to announce the return of its Yuletide Gala Auction, with presenting sponsor CN. After two years of virtual celebrations, the event will return to the Delta Prince Edward on Saturday, November 19th for an inspiring evening in support of priority medical equipment needs at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
QEH Foundation Chair John Gaudet says this annual event is important for QEH, the Island’s main referral hospital.
“This gala has always been more than a festive night out,” says Gaudet. “It’s the event that makes a difference in health care for all Islanders. This year, funds raised will support the critical work of the Provincial Laboratory at the QEH.”
The Provincial Laboratory needs a new Hematology Analysis System, which is the workhorse of the department. This system is involved in analyzing most bloodwork and in the diagnosis of a wide variety of illnesses like leukemia, infections, anemias, and lymphomas. Funds raised at the Gala will contribute to the cost of the equipment, which is approximately $500,000.
A highlight of the in-person event has always been the spirited bidding in the live auction. In addition to beautiful prize packages, Gala attendees bid to purchase medical equipment pieces for the QEH. This year the auction will feature equipment for nursing education, including and airway management training equipment.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to Presenting Sponsor, CN, and Diamond Sponsor, Cavendish Farms and all sponsors for their continuing support,” says Gaudet. “Over the years this event has raised funds for equipment in almost every department of the QEH, and that wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of all sponsors, donors, ticketholders, and volunteers.”
The Yuletide Gala Auction will feature a delicious Island-grown meal, the return of emcee Matt Rainnie, a live auction hosted by Kevin “Boomer” Gallant, a beautifully curated silent auction, and new this year live entertainment by local band The Love Junkies.
Tickets for the event are $250 each, with a charitable receipt component. A limited number of tickets are available; anyone interested in attending is encouraged to purchase their tickets today.
For tickets and information visit www.QEHYuletide.ca or call the QEH Foundation office at 902-894-2425.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
QEH Auxiliary Surpasses $6 Million in Donations and Celebrates 40th Anniversary
July 4, 2022
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I – At a recent ceremony at Government House, hosted by the Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Auxiliary was recognized for surpassing $6 million in charitable giving to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in their 40th anniversary year.
During her remarks, Her Honour acknowledged the recent celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and connected the QEH Auxiliary members’ years of service to Her Majesty’s reign, noting that both share a similar sense of duty and devotion to one’s community.
QEH Foundation board chair and event emcee, Patsy MacLean, highlighted the many advancements in Island health care made possible through QEH Auxiliary donations.
“On behalf of the QEH Foundation Board, I extend our sincere thanks to all Auxiliary members and volunteers, past and present, for having achieved this $6 million milestone over their forty year history,” said MacLean. “Now that pandemic restrictions are lifting, we can at last acknowledge one of our lead donors, the QEH Auxiliary, in reaching this incredible milestone.”
The QEH Auxiliary began in 1981 before the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. It is a volunteer organization that provides funds, services, education and fellowship to staff and volunteers of the QEH. The Auxiliary raises a majority of its funds through operation of Lillibet’s Gift Shop, Royal Pantry Eatery and Auxiliary Coffee, all located in the main lobby of the hospital.
QEH Auxiliary President, Laura-Lee Lewis says the Auxiliary has over 30 dedicated members as well as shop volunteers and staff who are grateful for the opportunity to support the QEH while offering nutritious food, snacks and quality gift items to the thousands of health care workers, physicians, patients and their families who are in and around the hospital every day.
“Achieving the $6 million milestone is significant for our Auxiliary,” said Lewis. “Like many other organizations, the past few years were challenging and we truly want to salute our volunteers who have helped operate our shops during this difficult time.”
Honourable Ernie Hudson, PEI’s Minister of Health and Wellness, attended the ceremony to congratulate the Auxiliary members on their incredible achievements.
“On behalf of Islanders, we thank you for 40 years of dedication to helping all those who access the Queen Elizabeth Hospital,” said Minister Hudson. “The $6 million donated since the QEH opened in 1982 to support the purchase of new medical equipment, has impacted almost every department. The caring and welcoming hearts of the volunteers who work both for the Auxiliary, and in the QEH, certainly play an important role in the healing process for all who use the hospital and its services. In recognition of the Auxilliary’s exemplary service, the Province was pleased to provide a $50,000 gift in February 2021, to help the Auxiliary continue its good work throughout the pandemic.”
Recently, the QEH Auxiliary donated $145,000 to fund a new Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) system for the Provincial Laboratory at the QEH.
QEH Laboratory Manager, Shane Buchanan, attended the event to thank the QEH Auxiliary for this innovative equipment and highlighted its potential impact on the provincial laboratory.
“The LBC system will be an integral piece in supporting new testing initiatives and allow the lab to streamline and standardize the making of slides that will be read by pathologists to determine the presence or absence of cancerous cells,” says Buchanan. “The LBC system will also support the new HPV testing initiative and more information on this is expected in the coming months.”
QEH Auxiliary President, Laura-Lee Lewis, noted that the Auxiliary is always looking to welcome new volunteers and invites anyone interested in volunteering to call the QEH Auxiliary office at(902) 894-2197 or email QEHAuxiliary@gmail.com
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For more information:
Kathleen Murphy, Director of Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
Harry MacLauchlan Memorial Golf Tournament raises a record $101,247 for the QEH Foundation
June 16, 2022
The Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation hosted the 19th annual Harry MacLauchlan ‘Great Day’ Fore Health Memorial Golf Tournament, presented by Fair Isle Ford, on June 15, 2022. The sunny skies at Belvedere Golf Club made for a ‘great day’ indeed, as 38 teams teed off in support of medical equipment needs at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The tournament reached a record-high fundraising total following a special donation from the MacLauchlan family. This gift was a true highlight of the day.
The Rotary Club set their sights on achieving $1 million in cumulative fundraising by the tournament’s 20th anniversary in 2023. After raising more than $101,247 this year, the current total is now more than $950,000, putting the event well on its way to reaching this incredible milestone next year.
With this incredible success, proceeds from this event will fully fund the purchase of hip arthroscopy equipment for the QEH, which is currently being borrowed from out-of-province. This surgical equipment allows doctors to view the hip joint and manage acute hip presentations, such as infections, without making a large incision. The cost for the required equipment is approximately $80,000.
This memorial tournament embodies many things that Harry MacLauchlan was passionate about. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty, he fervently raised millions of dollars in support of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and his favourite sporting activity was golf. Rotarian and Event Co-Chair, Mike Hennessey, says it is wonderful to see so much support for this event in honour of Harry.
“This tournament is an opportunity to make a difference in Island health care and, at the same time, honour Harry’s incredible legacy.” says Hennessey. “This was an outstanding fundraising year and we’re so grateful to all participants, sponsors, donors and volunteers.”
Event sponsors include Presenting Sponsor Fair Isle Ford; Corporate Sponsors Canadian Tire and Island Petroleum; and Lifeline Sponsors Johnson Insurance, IG Wealth Management, Island Coastal Services, and Qualified Financial Services.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
QEH Foundation’s Ultimate Shed Giveaway: Kids Edition
The QEH Foundation Ultimate Shed Giveaway brings together community-minded individuals in PEI’s construction, design, and building supply industry to raise funds for priority medical equipment needs at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The Ultimate Shed Project starts with the build of a backyard garden shed, but with a luxurious twist. The idea is to provide a perfect getaway right in your own backyard. This summer we are back with a brand new concept, the QEH Foundation Ultimate Shed Giveaway: Kids Edition! Proceeds from the sale of Ultimate Shed tickets will help fund the purchase of priority equipment needed in the Pediatric Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.