Think peace. Do it. Inspire it.
Each year for the last 25 years, The YMCAs of Québec has been celebrating ordinary people who demonstrate a vision, creativity and an extraordinary commitment to making our communities, our country, or our world more peaceful and just.
These individuals and groups are models for their community. Peace is their main focus, and they invest phenomenal energy in bringing it to life. These people are peacemakers and they inspire us.
The official ceremony to celebrate the 2011 peacemakers, presented by Manulife Financial, will be held between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Hyatt-Regency Montreal in the presence of the Honorary Peace Medal laureate for 2011, Richard J. Renaud, a renowned businessman and philanthropist.
Proceeds from the event, which is open to the public, will help fund YMCA programs that promote respect, understanding, peace, and cooperation between youth from Québec and youth from our partner YMCAs in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Haiti.
Reserve your tickets! Those who wish to attend the ceremony can purchase tickets through Marjolaine Laporte at 514 849-5331, ext. 297 or at marjolaine.laporte@ymcaquebec.org.
Past Peace Medal Laureates
People and groups who have received the Peace Medals have come from all walks of life: artists, volunteers, community or health workers, support groups, etc.
Here is the list of past laureates:
2010
2009
2008
2007
2007 Honorary Laureates
2006
2005
Before 2005
About the YMCA Peace Medals
The YMCA defines peace as a state where all individuals and communities live free from conflict, violence and war, are able to satisfy their basic human needs, are treated equitably, and are able to reach their full potential in life. Complex factors that lead to poverty, social injustice and instability, conflict, violence and war must be addressed to achieve peace. This sounds like a huge task, but it begins one step at a time with individuals and groups in our local community.
Since 1981, YMCAs in 127 countries around the world have observed YMCA Peace Day each November.
2011 marks the 25th year The YMCAs of Québec has honoured local peacemakers.
YMCA Peace Statement
The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationships with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities. There are no simple recipes. It is we ourselves who must seek, act and pray for ways to be peacemakers.
World Council of YMCAs, 1981