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, 2024.

“…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

P

PEACE

E

EMPATHY

A

ADVOCACY

C

COMMUNITY

E

EMPOWERMENT

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 

Peace Week MedallionThe 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.

2024 Peace Medal Recipients 

Youth Recipient

Jeda Anderson

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.

Group Recipient

Fort Erie Volunteer Fire Department

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.

Adult Recipient

Betty Talbot

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.

Past Peace Medal Recipients 

2023 Peace Medal Recipient

Cyril Warren

2022 Peace Medal Recipient

Koben Wilks, a compassionate and generous grade 12 student at Eden High School, has made significant contributions to the Niagara community, advocating for equity, peace, and LGBTQIA+ rights through initiatives like the Student Equity Alliance and the Niagara Regional Police anti-racism committee. Alongside these efforts, Koben balances school and two part-time jobs while planning to pursue hospitality studies at either Fanshawe or Niagara College.

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 

It is Andrew’s determination and passion that stand out in our community. Andrew strives to offer youth opportunities to be involved no matter their socio-economic status and have them experience the benefits of sport and physical activity. Andrew has collaborated with organizations such as Niagara Regional Police Service, Niagara Region Housing and The RAFT to organize free community events. Andrew is also involved with a number of organizations as a volunteer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrew created a motivation video series for youth in order to empower them and support their mental health. Andrew says, “whether it be community-based events, offering services to the community, providing new opportunities to children and families, or something else entirely, making a difference in the local community is what is important to me.”

My Linh is known for having strong leadership skills and commitment to youth in our community. She is involved in her school community at Saint Michael Catholic High School through the tutoring program, Social Justice Club, and Student Council to name a few of her extra-curricular activities. As an active member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee in Niagara Falls, My Linh focuses on important issues concerning the City’s younger population. This past year, My Linh co-created and launched a project called InspireHER that creates online events to encourage and support girls and non-binary to ensure equity. My Linh is described as “extremely empathetic and has been inspired to empower others, especially females, to develop and grow and achieve to their potential!”

Audra has been an integral part of the Niagara and Fort Erie community for many years. Audra has helped to host ceremonies to assist families who have lost loved ones in Niagara and increase awareness for mental health. Audra performs simple acts that make an impact including supporting an older neighbour without a family, and larger acts such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds to establish an alternative high school program “Courage to Soar” with the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre. Audra supports Aboriginal youth with skill development and job training to allow them to experience success.  Audra has been recognized by Brock University for qualities of leadership, courage, inspiration, and community involvement. Audra continues to perform healing work for our community.

2019 Peace Medal Recipients 

As part of YMCA Peace Week we recognized four youth from Niagara with a YMCA Peace Medal for their contributions to our community. Our first recipient to be featured is Celeste Turner.
Celeste is extremely involved in supporting youth and individuals that are part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Celeste is a volunteer Board Member and Vice President of Out Niagara, an organization that is committed to Uniting Niagara’s Sexual and Gender Diverse Community.
Celeste is a strong advocate for marginalized youth and equality and promotes a better world for all. Celeste is also a yoga instructor and teaches Rainbow Flow yoga classes that are body-positive and accessible. Celeste is a vital member of the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre team and goes beyond the role sharing time and talent to support anyone who needs it.
Thank you Celeste for your commitment to promoting peace in our community.

Our second recipient for a YMCA Peace Medal is Ella Rizzuto. Ella has made astounding contributions to our local community and abroad promoting peace at the age of only 10 years old!
Ella is always encouraging children that their voice matters and that they do have the power to speak up against injustices. In addition to being involved in volunteer work and fundraising, Ella uses various forums to bring to light different issues both locally and globally. Ella has written her Mayor with the support of her classmates, about warming shelters for individuals on the streets in the winter. Ella has also written to the Attorney General in Ecuador to protect indigenous women from oil companies. Ella’s painting portraying a little girl in Attawapiskat with a glass of dirty water is travelling to Mexico and Italy as part of an exhibit with Water for Life. Ella is an inspiration for children and reminds adults that we need to do better.
Congratulations Ella!

Our third recipient of a YMCA Peace Medal is Jade Bilodeau. Jade has shown a dedication to giving back to her community and a passion for civic engagement.
Jade continually gives back and provides a voice for youth in her community. Jade is extremely involved in school as a member of the student council, was co-chair of the Secondary Student Senate and one of two student trustees. Jade is the President of the Catholic Board Council with the Ontario Student Trustee’s Association. Jade is also a volunteer member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee in Niagara Falls. Jade is involved with a variety of projects and initiatives, including a climate change strategy and youth mental health projects. Jade is an outstanding representative for student voice, and a natural leader who is the first to step up and help out.
Congratulations Jade!

Ava Everson, at only 8 years old, may very well be the youngest recipient of a YMCA Peace Medal; we’ll have to check with YMCA Canada to confirm! Ava’s an inspiration to all of us here at the Y and has made astounding contributions to our community at such a young age.
Ava is a very kind soul with a zest for life and life experiences. Ava is a go-getter who actively participated in finding a cure and raising awareness related to diabetes. Ava actively fundraises for diabetes, has been an ambassador, and has supported a petition that would have OHIP cover Continuous Glucose Monitors. Ava spends time meeting with children who are newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes to help them understand that they can live full lives. Ava is empathic to others and takes the time to help other children feel empowered, at ease and hopeful. Ave involved her community and holds them accountable to help make a change.
Congratulations Ava!

Marty Mako

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.

Greg Wierzcholski

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.

Mendelt Hoekstra

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.