Brenda Flaherty one of 12 outstanding Canadians appointed to the YMCA Fellowship of Honour

Hamilton, ON - Brenda Flaherty has dedicated years of her life to expanding the reach of the YMCA in our community. Her commitment and contributions were officially celebrated on September 25, 2024 when she received the YMCA Fellowship of Honour medal from the Honourable Senator Ratna Omidvar in a ceremony held at the Rideau Club in Ottawa, Canada.

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate Brenda’s induction into the YMCA Fellowship of Honour, a testament to her extraordinary contributions and commitment to the Y's mission both within our community and representing it nationally. Thank you, Brenda, for your remarkable service and for inspiring us all to strive for a better, healthier, and more inclusive world. Your legacy of service continues to build a healthier Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford and your impact will be felt for generations," says Manny Figueiredo President & CEO YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford. 

Brenda Flaherty has held many titles over the course of her life—like COO of Hamilton Health Sciences, and Assistant Professor of Nursing—but when asked about her relationship with the YMCA, she simply says she’s a volunteer. And while Brenda’s connection to the Y is as a volunteer, she’s a volunteer who has spent the last 25 years expanding that relationship and being a true advocate of the Y’s mission.

Brenda joined the board of what was then the YMCA of Hamilton and Burlington. She soon became Chair of that Board and helped our local Y expand to become who we are today— the YMCA of Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford. Brenda would go on to become Chair of the YMCA Canada Board, and a year later she was elected to represent Canada at the World YMCA Executive Committee — a position she currently holds along with her seat on the Y Saves Lives cabinet. This means she has been able to witness the difference the Y makes at every level. Learn more about Brenda’s lifetime of contributions to the Y.

The YMCA Fellowship of Honour has recognized the distinguished and exceptional service of volunteers and staff since its inception in 1978. The induction of YMCA leaders takes place every three to four years, under the patronage of the Governor General of Canada. More than 130 exemplary Canadians have been honoured in one of two categories: A Companion award recognizes outstanding national and international leadership, and an Officer award acknowledges local or regional leadership contributions. Brenda joins the Fellowship as a Companion.

Collectively, these committed Canadians have provided distinguished service to the YMCA in communities from coast to coast to coast. “Each of these individuals is a shining example of what it means to give back to community,” said Peter Dinsdale, YMCA Canada’s President and CEO. “Their passion for helping to ensure a sense of belonging for all has created ripples of positive impact in communities across Canada and around the world. We are forever grateful for their contributions, and reminded of the tremendous difference one committed person can make.”

About the YMCA Fellowship of Honour

The appointments to the YMCA Fellowship of Honour are governed by a selection process established by the YMCA Fellowship of Honour Constitution and directed by an Advisory Council composed of a Canadian YMCA leader as Chair, at least three Canadians who have served the YMCA with distinction, the Chair of the YMCA Board and the national President and Chief Executive Officer. The Council considers nominations received from throughout the Canadian movement and recommends appointments to the National Board for approval. Each recipient receives a Fellowship of Honour Medal designed by award-winning artist Dora de Pedery-Hunt, a framed citation and commemorative lapel pin and is featured in a book of Fellowship of Honour recipients.