2024 YMCA Peace Medal Recipients: Celebrating Local and Global Peace Efforts

2024 YMCA Peace Medal Recipients:  Celebrating Local and Global Peace Efforts 

Hamilton, Ontario – November 27, 2024: Today, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford announced the recipients of the YMCA Peace Medal at its 37th annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast. As part of YMCA Peace Week observed by YMCAs across Canada, the annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast serves to recognize individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of peace through contributions made within their local, national, or global community. 

At this year’s ceremony, five individuals/groups were announced as recipients of the 2024 YMCA Peace Medal across three categories: Adult Award, Youth Award, and International Award.

“The 2024 Peace Medal recipients remind us of the profound impact we can have when we dedicate ourselves to building bridges and creating a world where everyone can thrive. Their remarkable contributions to peace, community building, and service inspire us all. We are grateful for their efforts and honoured to recognize their achievements,” says Manny Figueiredo, President & CEO, YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.

Congratulations to the 2024 YMCA Peace Medal Recipients:

Adult Category (ages 26 and up)

Dr. Anne Pearson, Hamilton, On

Dr. Anne Pearson is a tireless advocate for peace and social justice, volunteering with organizations such as the United Nations Association in Canada, Empowerment Squared, and Gandhi Peace Festival. Living by the mantra “Think Globally, Act Locally,” her work embodies the essence of the Peace Medal Program, promoting intercultural understanding, non-violence, and community cohesion. For over 25 years, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, determination, and commitment to fostering a more peaceful and just Hamilton. Dr. Pearson’s impact is evident in initiatives like the Interfaith Stone in the Hamilton Peace Garden and the book “Waging Peace in Hamilton.”

Youth Category (ages 25 and under)

Bryanna Leeder, Brantford, Ontario

Bryanna Leeder is an outstanding youth leader whose contributions have made a significant impact in her community. Since she was only 10 years old, Bryanna has worked tirelessly to establish and support free pantries in her community. In 2021, Bryanna founded the first BL’s Little Free Pantry. In her time supporting free pantries, she has garnered support from youth and adults alike in bringing her vision of food security to life. The pantries she has developed have steadily grown into a network of four Little Free Pantries, a Little Free Library, and ongoing Free Food Giveaways. Bryanna’s dedication to ending food insecurity has significantly impacted the lives of hundreds in her community, fostering a community of kindness and acceptance.

Eddie Zhang, Hamilton, Ontario

Eddie Zhang is an exemplary candidate for the YMCA Peace Medal, known for his relentless dedication to combating food insecurity and fostering community spirit. As the 2023-24 Service Prefect at Hillfield Strathallan College, Eddie leads with compassion, serving meals every Saturday at Gore Park through the Gore Park Community Outreach team. His kindness precedes him, where he is known and often requested by the guests he knows in Gore Park. Eddie’s commitment extends beyond service; he inspires others to join and contribute. His collaborative efforts have built trust, promoted peace, and created lasting change, making him a true beacon of community dedication.

Positive Spaces Club from Ancaster High School, Ancaster, Ontario

The Positive Space Club at Ancaster High School fosters inclusivity and acceptance for LGBTQ+ students. The club members actively work to create a safer school environment by combating homophobia and transphobia, and promoting understanding through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community events. They have tirelessly fought for in-school against gendered washroom challenges and the difficult name-changing processes. The Positive Space Club is working to create a welcoming space for all people through education, school engagement, and safe spaces. Their efforts contribute to a more peaceful and just community where all students feel respected and valued.

International Category

Art Duerksen, Hamilton, On

Art Duerksen, leader of Hamilton and International Missions Community (HIMC), embodies the essence of the Peace Medal program through his dedication to serving marginalized communities locally and globally. His local ministry work, including street outreach, prison ministry, and practical support fosters hope and peace in his local community. Art’s commitment to international peacebuilding is exemplified by his work supporting widows and orphans in Nepal, empowering them through sustainable income-generating projects. His leadership and collaborative spirit inspire others to join him in creating a more just and compassionate world.

The YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford also extends is congratulations to all nominees:

• Anthony Cordeiro
• Kevin Brady
• Margaret’s Legacy Holocaust Learning and Jewish Advocacy
• Nyanial Rauch
• Black Student Union – Notre Dame Secondary School
• Knights Fighting Cancer – St. Thomas Moore Catholic Secondary School
• Marisa Pierra
• Oluwafejikemi Oje
• Joana Fejzaj
• Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

For a complete list of nominees, recipients, categories, and profiles, please visit YMCAPeacemedal.ca

About YMCA Peace Week

The YMCA views peace as more than just the absence of war; it encompasses recognizing basic human rights and fulfilling basic human needs. Since 1984, Canadian YMCAs have observed YMCA Peace Week in November, engaging people of all ages in exploring peace locally and globally. This week-long event unites YMCA Associations, international partners, and numerous schools and community organizations in our shared mission to foster a more just and peaceful world.

As part of YMCA Peace Week, YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of peace through contributions made within their local, national, or global community. The YMCA Peace Medal was developed in 1987 by a small group of volunteers and staff at the YMCA of Fredericton. The first Peace Medal was awarded that year in Fredericton to Jim and Kay Bedell. To date, more than 1,950 individuals and groups across Canada have been recognized for their peacebuilding work with YMCA Peace Medals.