Rotarians believe in service above self; community is at the heart of everything they do. They are volunteers, community leaders, employers, and humanitarians. Collectively, they strive to make a positive impact both globally and locally. For over 80 years, the Rotary Club of Summerside has been serving Islanders in many impactful ways, and their efforts and projects have greatly benefited the community. Rotarians adhere to the motto “service above self.” This principle has guided them toward a variety of service projects, including their long-standing support of the Prince County Hospital Foundation.
For decades, the club has been a staunch supporter of PCH, so when asked in 2000 to support the capital campaign for a new PCH, Rotarians were among the most dedicated volunteers, fundraisers, and donors. At that time, the club created the Rotary Golf Classic in partnership with Fitzgerald & Snow to support the hospital. Since its inception, the event has raised over $300,000 for medical equipment and technology for patient care at PCH. Twenty-five years later, the Rotary Golf Classic is still thriving and raises significant funds for PCH and other vital community initiatives.
The partnership between the Rotary Club and Prince County Hospital has flourished since the “new” PCH opened in 2004. Rotarians have supported the hospital in numerous ways, including serving on the hospital foundation’s board, volunteering for fundraising events, and contributing personally or through their businesses to meet the most pressing needs for patient care. Rotarians have made, and continue to make, an impact at PCH every day, with a keen focus on the hospital’s future strength.
With this future in mind, the Rotary Club of Summerside was inspired to make a significant and lasting difference at PCH by establishing an endowment. At the 2024 Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots event, they gathered on stage and announced their intentions with an astonishing gift of $100,000. It is a true investment in the future of healthcare at PCH and a legacy of caring for their community.
“As president of the Rotary Club of Summerside, I am honoured to be representing the club at the time this donation is being made,” says Les MacLean. “To have the efforts of Rotarians, past and present, recognized in such a significant and lasting way is truly wonderful. For more than 10 years now I have seen firsthand the hard work of our Summerside club in support of our hospital. Our members have been dedicated to the PCHF throughout the years of our golf tournament and their generosity continues to impress. I look forward to our continued efforts and what the future has in store for the PCHF.”
This legacy gift will be endowed, meaning the principal amount will be invested, and only the interest earned on the gift will be used annually for the benefit of Prince County Hospital. It is a gift that keeps giving, providing dividends for generations to come. This decision aligns with Rotary’s 4-Way Test: “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned?” This gift checks all those boxes, and the club’s name will be added to the Patron category of the Legacy of Giving – Endowment Fund Donor wall at PCH.
