YMCA Peace Week

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. When we act for peace, together we build stronger and healthier communities. YMCA Peace Week is a time when we celebrate the presence of peace in our local and global communities, and reflect on the peace-building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA.

Peace Medallion

As part of YMCA Peace Week, YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of peace through contributions made within their local, national or global community. The YMCA Youth Advisory Council will present the Medallions during Peace Week.

The Youth Advisory Council was excited to award the Peace Medallion to Sherry Theuerkauf this year! This is in recognition of all the incredible work she did with the Ukrainian refugees in Prince George.

The YMCA Peace Medal is awarded to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of peace through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.

Hear from Sherry in her own words:

I planned a solidarity walk in Prince George for the community to come together in April 2022. The community group project that would become Group HUGS (Helping Ukrainians Gathering Strength) dovetailed from the walk. There were people arriving in Prince George that would surely feel more comfortable if they could meet together, speak in their mother tongue and help each other through the challenges of resettling. This project was a great success, due to all of the community members that helped make it so. Thank you for putting peace first.