YMCA Celebration of Peace
YMCA Peace Week
YMCA Peace Week is an annual event held every third week of November. It’s a time when we come together to acknowledge and celebrate the harmony that exists both within our local environment and the broader world. Our belief is clear: Living in peace with our close ones, especially those who have differences, sets the foundation for a peaceful world.
As times change and challenges arise, including recent global issues like COVID-19 and urgent calls for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion, it’s essential to reflect upon and prioritize peace-building activities. These efforts, both big and small, continuously drive us to create better, stronger communities.
"We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us...." - YMCA Statement on Peace
Acts for Peace
Peace is more than just a concept; it’s a proactive state. Every act for peace, whether monumental or minuscule, has a ripple effect throughout the community. Inspiring others to make such acts is what defines a peacemaker. We invite you to join this movement and #actforpeace.
Our Mantra: Build Community. Act for Peace. By taking active steps towards peace, we lay the foundation for more resilient communities.
YMCA Peace Medal
As a part of our Peace Week celebrations, YMCA Peace Medals are awarded across Canada. These medals honor individuals or groups who, irrespective of their resources or status, exemplify the essence of P-E-A-C-E with significant contributions to their communities, be it local, national, or international.
Legacy: Since its inception in 1987, over 1,900 individuals and groups have been celebrated for their peace contributions through these medals. These recipients come from various walks of life; some have ties to the YMCA, while others are community heroes.
Our Mantra: Build Community. Act for Peace. By taking active steps towards peace, we lay the foundation for more resilient communities.
The Peace Medal's Origin
In 1987, the YMCA of Fredericton’s International Committee conceived the Peace Medal. Their inspiration came from Jim and Kay Bedell’s peaceful advocacy during the 1982 United Nations Disarmament Conference. These medals now symbolize the spirit of P.E.A.C.E (Participation, Empathy, Advocacy, Community, Empowerment) and highlight the potential for peace within all of us.
Annual YMCA Peace Medal Awards Breakfast
Every year, we honor three individuals who’ve shown outstanding commitment to fostering peace in their community.
- Wednesday, November 20, 2024
- 7:00 – 9:00 a.m
- Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
2023 Peace Medal Recipients
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Chris Cochrane
Chris Cochrane is a Trans Black activist and public speaker. She speaks and educates about her lived experience through her intersectionality.
Health and Wellbeing
Kendall Worth
Kendall is a dedicated poverty advocate and journalist, whose writing has graced the pages of Media COOP, Nova Scotia Advocate, and his own blog, “Journalism for What Matters”.
Empowering Youth
Ismat Hussain
For over two decades, Ismat has devoted herself to volunteerism, with a remarkable focus on community service and youth empowerment.
Past Years YMCA Peace Medal Recipients
2022 – Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health in Nova Scotia
2022 – Strait2Ukraine, Community Group
2022 – Ashley Hill, Founder & Executive Director of The PREP Academy
2021 – Sowon Suh, Pharmacist and community volunteer
2021 – Rebecca Thomas, Mi’kmaw poet and activist
2021 – Pictou County Safe Harbour
2019 – Trayvone Clayton advocate for human rights in Nova Scotia
2019 – Halifax Mobile Food Market
2019 – East Coast Filipino Portal
2018 – Mark Saldanha, founder of Greater Love organization
2018 – Roseanna Cleveland, Take Action Society
2018 – Bridget Brownlow, Peaceful Schools International
