Bob Pincott, a local doctor from Cowansville, has launched his annual toy sale drives with 35% of what is made from each toy he sells going towards the Brome-Missisquoi Perkins Foundation (BMP Foundation). The Brome-Missisquoi Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for equipment and other important projects to contribute to the access of quality care at the Brome-Missisquoi Perkins Hospital (BMP Hospital). As a former doctor at the BMP Hospital and a member of the board for the BMP Foundation, Pincott has used his love for woodworking to make a difference.
“I came here as a medical student in 1959. I spent the summer at the hospital and out of that, Dr. Gilles Bisson, the surgeon here at the time, asked me if I would come back. Come back I did in 1961 after I finished my internship at the Royal Victoria Hospital,” recounted Pincott. “I worked here steadily until I retired in 1997.”
Pincott was a board member for the BMP Foundation, but realized he was not one for board meetings. He decided to support the foundation in a different way.
“I support them by making toys, which they can auction off or sell. Presently, I will give them a significant percentage of the money I make on these toys over the summer,” said Pincott.
His love for making toys dates back to when his children were little.
“I made toys for our kids and our grandkids, probably over 40 years - 45 years since I retired. If I want to keep on making toys I have to get rid of them. What better way to get rid of them than giving them to an organization that can make some money on it,” mentioned Pincott.
Some of the toys Pincott makes include a dog pull toy with movable legs, a duck whose wings flap, a bulldozer carrier that is detachable, cars and much more. These toys have made a difference in putting a smile on a child’s face.
“It’s interesting, one of the people that works at the hospital foundation told me the other day that she still has a toy that I gave her when she was five years old and she’s certainly a long way from five,” laughed Pincott.
Pincott mentioned that his toys benefit various organizations and institutions beyond the BMP Foundation.
“Other charitable organizations such as the Missisquoi Museum, of which I am a member, the Diapason, the Catholic Church in Bromont, the Knights of Columbus for their Christmas handouts and anyone else who is interested,” he noted.
Pincott’s toy sales take place every weekend during the summer outside his home, when weather permits. He is located at 401 Principale Street in Cowansville, on the corner of Spring Street.
Listen to the full interview below: