YMCA Peace Week
Celebrating the presence of peace in our local and global communities
Throughout the week, YMCAs across the country promote ways we can build peace, and highlight the peace-building work that happens all year round, both inside and outside the YMCA.
This year, YMCA Peace Week will be celebrated November 16-23, 2025.
“…Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationships among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us… The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationship with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities…” — YMCA Statement of Peace, World Alliance of YMCAs, 1981
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About YMCA Peace Week
YMCA Peace Week has offered activities to help children, youth and adults explore peace from a personal, local and global perspective. During YMCA Peace Week, we encourage people to build community and act for peace. When we act for peace, we come together to help build a stronger and healthier community by promoting a sense of belonging, fostering empathy, embracing pluralism and addressing the social determinants of health.
The YMCA Peace Medal
The YMCA Peace Medallion, introduced in 1987, offers a reminder that it is possible to build a more peaceful world, community by community, and that everyone can be engaged in these efforts. By highlighting peace concerns and celebrating others who share these values and are engaged in similar work, we remind the wider community that these concerns are a core part of the YMCA’s work.
As part of Peace Week, the YMCA awards Peace Medallions to remarkable individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, have demonstrated a commitment to building peace within their community or in communities elsewhere in the world. Peace Medallion recipients can be parents, students, community groups, people who have given freely of their time and talent to make local and global communities more peaceful places to live.
Nominate a Peacemaker in Niagara
Every day, individuals in Niagara make our community brighter by promoting peace, kindness, and understanding. Do you know someone—an educator, neighbour, volunteer, or community leader—who goes above and beyond to create positive change? We want to hear their story!
Share your nomination today and help us celebrate those who inspire peace in our community.
2025 Peace Medal Recipients
Youth Recipient
Mirah Roul
Mirah inspires her school and community through her leadership, empathy, and dedication to service. Actively involved at West Niagara Secondary School and in Girl Guides for over 12 years, she mentors younger students, promotes STEM for girls, and leads environmental initiatives such as tree planting, recycling programs, and clean-ocean advocacy.
She embodies the YMCA PEACE values by Participating widely, showing Empathy through mentoring with compassion, Advocating for meaningful causes, strengthening Community at school and in Girl Guides, and Empowering younger girls through camps and workshops. Her impact is local, national, and international—enhancing school culture, contributing to national Guiding programs, and preparing to represent Canada at the 2026 Brave Space Leadership Conference in India. Through collaboration with students, teachers, community partners, and global Guiding groups, Mirah demonstrates how one person can foster peace and lasting positive change.
Youth Recipient
Jose Palma
Jose embodies PEACE through leadership, empathy, and service. As school president, multilingual communicator, and advocate for immigrants and refugees, he inspires others with his humility and altruism. He founded Pathway to Speak, teaching English to newcomers through the Chez Marie Refugee Centre, and supported dental care for over 700 Indigenous children in Guatemala by translating and creating a safe environment. His peacemaking impact is local and global, recognized in the House of Commons for strengthening literacy, confidence, and belonging among refugees, while enhancing his school’s culture through multicultural initiatives.
Jose embodies the YMCA PEACE values by actively Participating in leadership and service, showing Empathy for newcomers, Advocating alongside refugees and communities facing barriers, building inclusive Communities at school and beyond, and Empowering others through teaching, coaching, and sharing his experiences. Jose consistently works to build a more equitable world through compassion, leadership, and service.
Youth Recipient
Amblessed Ajomiwe
Amblessed is a dedicated peacemaker who strengthens inclusion, compassion, and community at St. Catharines Collegiate. He co-founded and led the school’s first Black Student Alliance, creating a safe, empowering space for Black students and fostering school-wide awareness through assemblies and daily announcements. With over 300 volunteer hours, he supports the homeless, mentors youth, serves in his church, and assists at children’s camps.
He demonstrates the YMCA PEACE values through active Participation in school groups, deep Empathy for voices that often go unheard, bold Advocacy for equity, Community-building across school and church, and Empowering peers to lead with pride and purpose. His work has transformed school culture, influenced regional and national discussions through Student Senate and citizenship programs, and shown how collaboration—through staff, community partners, and youth groups—creates lasting, meaningful change.
Adult Recipient
Dean Zaniol
Dean is a quiet, humble peacemaker whose consistent volunteer work inspires others through action rather than recognition. He supports numerous nonprofits with compassion, helping youth, families, and vulnerable community members. He demonstrates the YMCA PEACE values by actively Participating in youth programs, showing Empathy through mentorship and behind-the-scenes support, Advocating for underserved groups, building Community through events like Ribstock and food drives, and Empowering young people with guidance and encouragement.
His steady involvement with the YMCA, Project SHARE, and local events has strengthened safety, inclusion, and support systems across Niagara. Dean’s long-term efforts have improved food security, enriched youth programming, and sparked generosity in others. Through collaboration with organizations, volunteers, and community partners, he helps create a more connected and compassionate community, proving that lasting peace grows from consistent, caring action.
Group Recipient
St. Catharines Garden City Lions Club
The St. Catharines Garden City Lions Club is dedicated to humanitarian work locally and nationally. Their ongoing support for programs like the School Breakfast Program, YMCA camps, and local charities demonstrates quiet, consistent acts of peace that uplift children, families, and vulnerable individuals. The club exemplifies the YMCA PEACE values through hands-on Participation in customer service projects, Empathy for vulnerable populations, Advocacy for mental health and basic needs, Community-building partnerships, and Empowering youth through food security, recreation, and support services.
Their impact is strongest locally—improving nutrition, well-being, and inclusion—while also contributing nationally through guide-dog funding, vision and hearing programs, Lions Quest, and disaster relief. As part of Lions Clubs International, their service aligns with global goals for health, equity, and youth support. Their work is highly collaborative, partnering with the YMCA, schools, charities, and community groups to strengthen Niagara through shared service.
Past Peace Medal Recipients
2024 Peace Medal Recipients
Jeda Anderson has been a champion for equity and inclusion throughout her time at Eden High School. As a founding member of the Black Affinity Group and a four-year leader of the Student Equity Alliance, Jeda has created safe spaces and driven meaningful conversations about belonging. Her commitment extends into the community through her volunteer work with Future Black Female, a non-profit supporting Black female youth, and her efforts to share the history of the Underground Railroad in St. Catharines during Black History Month.
Jeda’s dedication reflects the YMCA values of PEACE. She fosters Participation by organizing events that promote inclusivity, demonstrates Empathy by creating spaces for shared experiences, and leads with Advocacy by raising awareness of Niagara’s history. Her impact has made Eden High School and the wider community more inclusive and supportive for Black students and youth, empowering others to celebrate resilience and diversity.
Since 1896, the Fort Erie Volunteer Fire Department (FEVFD) has been a cornerstone of safety and service in the community. Beyond their crucial role in emergency response, the department actively promotes fire safety education and community well-being. With 115 volunteers under the leadership of Fire Chief Mark Schmitt, the FEVFD conducts workshops, mentors youth, and supports charitable initiatives that build strong community connections.
The department exemplifies the YMCA values of PEACE through their acts of Participation in local events, Empathy during emergencies, and Community building through education and outreach. Their commitment to mentoring young individuals fosters Empowerment, and their advocacy for safety ensures a culture of preparedness and resilience. The FEVFD inspires others to work together for the betterment of their community, embodying the courage and selflessness that define peace.
Betty Talbot is a shining example of service and a steadfast advocate for peace. A dedicated Lioness member and board member for Community Living and the Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie, Betty has made a profound impact locally and internationally. Her tireless advocacy for individuals with disabilities demonstrates her unwavering commitment to inclusion and equality.
Betty exemplifies the YMCA values of PEACE through her efforts to foster Participation by involving others in community initiatives, Empathy by understanding and addressing the needs of others, and Advocacy by championing the rights of marginalized groups. Her work builds Community connections and empowers individuals to thrive. Betty’s dedication inspires those around her to create a more inclusive and peaceful society, embodying the values at the heart of the YMCA.
2023 Peace Medal Recipient
2022 Peace Medal Recipient
2021 Peace Medal Recipients
Lincoln is a 10 year old who has an amazing desire to give back to those in the community who are homeless or less fortunate. It began last spring when Lincoln asked for money for his birthday so he could buy Tim Horton gift cards to give to people living on the streets. It is something his mom says he has wanted to do since he was 8 years old. He ended up giving out 30 gift cards with support from some Niagara paramedics. He moved on to creating Lincoln Care kits, 115 backpacks were distributed to homeless individuals. Each kit contained 28 items including personal hygiene items.
Lincoln then heard about kids who lacked school supplies and got to work creating 110 backpacks with school supplies, snacks, small stuffed animals, balls, etc., a total of 45 items per bag. His mother, Tamara, advertised his campaign on Facebook and they got donations from friends and family. He also fundraised by selling t-shirts with his “Just Love People” slogan.
In Niagara, Lincoln has enriched the lives of over 200 people through his caring and generosity. All of Lincoln’s work has been done during the pandemic, he has even included face masks and hand sanitizer in his kits to assist the vulnerable homeless community.
Lincoln is an excellent example of the significant impact one person can have. He started this to show others they can make a difference, and hopes to inspire his peers and the community to take part.
Itty Bitty Pie Company and small business owner Pam Nicholson saw a need when the pandemic hit. Instead of parking her food truck, she and her friend Leslie converted the truck into a clothing closet. Requests were made to the community for gently used clothing items and off they went to serve some of the most vulnerable citizens of Niagara.
Niagara’s Mobile Closet has now purchased their own truck and has 38 dedicated volunteers accounting for over 3,000 volunteer hours. They have also had over 50 free shopping events for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and or living in poverty since November 2020. And has supported over 2,000 people since July 1 2021. Just this month, Niagara’s Mobile Closet has taken one extra step to serving those in clothing crisis offering mini closets with stocked inventory to crisis services such as the Niagara Regional Police District 1 Police station, EMS outreach, Niagara Assertive Street Outreach and the Niagara Detention center for those being released with no clothing but their orange jumpsuits.
Niagara’s Mobile Closet shows empathy by providing consistency not just with clothing for folks but also with a listening ear and joyful demeanor. As volunteers of the mobile closet get to know folks in the community, they are advocating for any assistance needed. When Mobile closet comes with their truck, they are not just giving out items; their truck is set up like a store. It empowers choice for people, when that choice is typically not available. Mobile Closet has started to develop a community of not only their volunteers, but with the individuals they consistently interact with and the agencies that they help to support.
Daniel began volunteering while he was in high school, and has never stopped. He was part of the Westlane student council and was the Prime Minister his final years of high school. He was a Senator for the DSBN Student Trustee Senate, and the Secretary for the Westlane Interact Club. In addition, he was an extremely active member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee for 3 years and was Co-Chair in his final year. He volunteered countless hours to provide a voice for youth in Niagara Falls.
Now in university in the medical science program, Daniel is once again actively involved at the school level and in the community. He is the Brock University Student Union Elections Coordinator and volunteers for Niagara Regional Public Health Mass Immunization Clinic, the Red Cross Friendly Calls Program, and the Chippawa Presbyterian Church.
Daniel is also a founding member and director of a non-profit called The Bookworm Initiative where he works on the team as a Secretary and meeting lead at their weekly meetings.
Daniel has recently taken on some new volunteer roles for the Brock Human Rights and Equity Office and the Niagara Health Engagement Network Patient Partner program, and the Brock Institute for Healthcare Improvement Club where he will be participating in a quality improvement project.
2020 Peace Medal Recipients
2019 Peace Medal Recipients
Recipient of the 2018 Peace Award for his work with a variety of community organizations including YMCA Strong Kids, The United Way, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Out of the Cold, the City of St. Catharines Heritage Committee and the Lincoln County Humane Society.
Recipient of the 2017 Peace Award for his work with Niagara Conservatory of Music. Greg launched the Music Gives Movement program in 2015 to help low-income families across Niagara keep their children in music that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford music lessons.
Recipient of the 2016 Peace Award for his work with Momentum Choir. As a music therapist, he gets people involved in music who otherwise may not have access to a traditional choir experience. As an advocate for members of the community with intellectual disabilities, he gives everyone the opportunity to showcase their talents. Momentum Choir has been trying to do that for ten years, blazing a trail for musicians who live with a disability to give back to the community, to share our music, and make our community a more peaceful place to be.