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 Medal. Residents are invited to visit ymcaowensound.on.ca and nominate a deserving person for this award before Wednesday, October 24. 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 17 – 24, the presentation of Peace Medals 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.

The YMCA Peace Medal was developed in 1987 by the International Committee at the YMCA of Fredericton. That year, the committee of volunteers and staff was tasked with developing Peace Week support materials for YMCAs across the country.

Inspired by the efforts of Jim and Kay Bedell in raising awareness of the 1982 United Nations Disarmament Conference by walking from New Brunswick to New York City to attend, the Committee decided to institute an award, a peace medal, to be given by YMCAs across the country each year to people like Jim and Kay.

Since 1987, more than 1,950 individuals and groups across Canada have been recognized with YMCA Peace Medals.

In 2017, our local YMCA Peace Medal was awarded to "The Ambassador Group" for their devotion and commitment to advocating mental health with a mission to raise awareness, reduce stigma and be welcoming to all. Their P.E.A.C.E. Team Blog continues to empower people in our community and they are constantly showing great leadership in being inclusive and helping those in need.

source: media release, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce