Participation, Empathy, Advocacy, Community and Empowerment: these are the values the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is looking for in the next recipient of the YMCA Peace Medallion. Residents are invited to visit ymcaowensound.on.ca and nominate a deserving person for this award before Monday, October 17. Hard copies of the nomination package are available at our YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility.

YMCA Peace Week invites people of all ages to reflect on peace, to talk, and to take action, individually and with others. During Peace Week, November 19 – 26, the presentation of Peace Medallions takes place across Canada to honour individuals or groups who, without any special resources, demonstrate a commitment to the values of PEACE through contributions made within their local, national or global community. To date, over 1,500 Peace Medallions have been presented to peacemakers across the country.

In 2015, our local Peace Medallion was awarded to Owen Sound resident Colleen Purdon. Nominated on behalf of Peace & Justice Grey Bruce, Colleen was chosen for her remarkable contributions to our area through her valuable community building work, with a focus in the areas of peace and justice as well as raising awareness of violence against women. Known for her initiative, energy, dedication and insightful mentorship, Colleen received her medal in a ceremony at the YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility on November 19, 2015.