Nominate local heroes for the YMCAs Peace Medal Awards

Every year, YMCAs across Canada recognize people who volunteer their time and effort to make our communities better places to live, through the Peace Medal Awards.

Peace is not just the absence of violence and conflict, the YMCA said in a release dated Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. It is also the work to create and keep conditions of fairness, inclusion, empathy, security and respect for diversity. Peace-building is core to the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening healthy communities and is built into the YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s programs and services.

The YMCA suggests we all know someone who deserves such recognition.

“There are so many individuals who give their time to make their community stronger and that’s what the Y is all about,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “We’re looking for heroes of all ages, individuals or groups, who have demonstrated a commitment to building peace here at home or around the world. I think the award is even more special this year as people have carried out acts of kindness to make the world a better place during the pandemic.”

Last year, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario honoured Katie and Steve Koopman for their work with the Rez Girls hockey team and founding of Good Ally Project; and Abby Berube, Delaney Ringer and Brenda Whitford for their extensive volunteerism and commitment to helping others. Abby and Delaney were recognized in the “youth” category.

“By celebrating the YMCA Peace Awards together, we are thanking those who are creating the future we want for our community, country and world,” Adams said.

Honour our community heroes by nominating someone before Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. The Peace Medal Awards will be announced on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.

The YMCA has provided the following nomination guidelines:

• Nominations should focus on activities that have taken place within the last two years
• YMCA staff members are not eligible for nomination
• Professionals who are paid to do peacemaking work are not eligible for nomination
• Self-nominations will not be considered

Nominations can be made on the webpage: https://eo.ymca.ca/get-involved#peace-medal-awards