The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is calling on the community to nominate a Peacemaker for our annual YMCA Peace Medal. This award honours an individual or group who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, has demonstrated a commitment to building peace within our community or globally.
Participation, Empathy, Advocacy, Community, and Empowerment: these are the values the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is looking for in the next recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal. Residents are invited to visit ymcaowensound.on.ca/peace-week and nominate a deserving person or group for this award before Friday, October 16.
The YMCA Peace Medal was developed in 1987 by the International Committee at the YMCA of Fredericton. Here at our YMCA, we have honoured 28 individuals and 14 groups from our community who inspire us with their actions. A list of those recipients can be found on the YMCA website. The 2025 YMCA Peace Medal was awarded to The Hanley Institute for their dedication to empowering youth, fostering belonging, and building a stronger, more connected community through supportive spaces, meaningful engagement, and opportunities for youth to make a positive impact.
From November 15-22, during YMCA Peace Week, the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce together with YMCAs across Canada, celebrate the presence of peace in our communities, and reflect on the peace-building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA. Peacebuilding is core to the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of healthy communities and part of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce’s year-round programs.
YMCA Peace Week invites people of all ages to reflect on peace, to talk, and to take action, individually and with others. It is during this week that the 2026 YMCA Peace Medal recipient will be announced and awarded the prestigious medal.
Learn more and find the nomination form here: ymcaowensound.on.ca/peace-week
