The YMCA believes peace is more than the absence of violence and conflict. Peace is the ongoing work of building and rebuilding conditions of fairness, inclusion, empathy, security, and respect for diversity. When Canadians embody the values of PEACE through our daily actions, we can build a better Canada.
P = Participation – getting involved and encouraging others to get involved in community- building activities
E = Empathy – listening and understanding diverse perspectives to create a sense of belonging for all
A = Advocacy – making the case for positive change in the community
C = Community – building and strengthening community connections and capacity
E = Empowerment – inspiring others to foster peace and helping them gain the skills and tools to succeed
YMCA Peace Medallion
The YMCA Peace Medallion was introduced in 1987 and now used by YMCAs across Canada during YMCA Peace Week, the YMCA Peace Medallion recognizes people or groups who, without any special resources, demonstrate a commitment to peace through contributions made within their community or overseas.
More than 1,500 individuals and groups across Canada proudly identify themselves as recipients of the YMCA Peace Medallion today (you can read some of their stories on the YMCA Peace Week Facebook page).
Past YMCA of Brandon Peace Medal Recipients
Dr. James Aidune, 189
Astrid & James Wilcox, 1991
Ray & Wanda Cancade, 1994
Stewart Hayter, 1996
Linda Pinch & Jim Welsh, 1999
Brian Marshall, 2000
Merv Dillabough, 2002
Gwen Trip, 2007
Jaime Chinchilla & Ericka Serrano, 2012