YMCA of Northern BC Celebrates YMCA Peace Week and Honors Local Peacemakers
Prince George, Fort St. John, BC and surrounding communities – From November 14-21 the YMCA of Northern BC, together with YMCAs across Canada, are celebrating YMCA Peace Week. The campaign recognizes the presence of peace in our communities, and reflects on the peace building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA.
As we navigate through 2020, YMCA Peace Week takes on new meaning, illustrating how the ongoing work of building peace needs to continue now more than ever. COVID-19 and the urgent calls for action for diversity, social inclusion, and equity are challenging us. It is a time for us as individuals, as communities, and as a country to reconsider where we’ve been and where we want to go. During YMCA Peace Week, we honour those at the forefront of these peace-building efforts and encourage Canadians to ask themselves how they can bring change to their communities. When people act for peace, they build community by promoting a sense of belonging, fostering empathy, and embracing diversity.
“It’s important that we work together to create peaceful communities where everyone feels that they belong” says Stephanie Deol, Director of Communications and Philanthropy at the YMCA of Northern BC. “By celebrating YMCA Peace Week together, we are taking a stand and creating the future we want for our community, country, and world.”
“We all have opportunities each day to choose to act for peace. They may be small actions, but they make a big difference and create a ripple effect through our community. By sharing our message of peace, we are able to inspire others to become engaged in peaceful actions,” says Deol.
In Prince George
A special highlight of this week is the presentation of the YMCA Peace Medal to an individual or group who, without any special resources, demonstrates a commitment to peace through individual contributions made within their local, national, or global community.
This year’s ceremony will be held on Thursday November 19th at 4:00pm in the parking lot of the Prince George Family Y and will honour three local community members who have made significant contributions towards peacebuilding.
About the YMCA of Northern BC
As a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of our community, the YMCA of Northern BC is a powerful association of people joined together by a shared passion to foster a sense of belonging for all. In an age of complex social challenges, the YMCA is steadfastly dedicated to building healthy communities by inviting and encouraging Canadians to join in, to give back, and to gain the connections, skills, and confidence they need to thrive.
The YMCA of Northern BC is committed to global peace building through its international partnership supporting the YMCA of Ethiopia.
