2009 YMCA World Peace Week: Inspire Peace—Think it. Say it. Do it.

Cambridge – At its 2009 YMCA Peace Medallion Gala held November 27, the YMCA of Cambridge celebrated the efforts by individuals and groups who inspire peace. The gala celebrated the impact made by all the nominees for this year’s YMCA Peace Medallions.

“In today’s globalized world, we are all connected to each other more than we may realize,” said Jen Jennifer Hazzard, International Supervisor, YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo. “Through sharing our message of peace we are able to inspire others to become engaged in peaceful actions. Our individual actions towards peace are key components of creating a healthier and more peaceful world.”

“We had a strong group of nominees this year. Selecting a recipient in each category was a difficult decision because each nominee has been making our community and world a better place. We selected three recipients that are outstanding examples of people who inspire peace but tonight we really celebrated the collective efforts of all the nominees.

The 2009 recipients are:

Strong Kid: Brandon Wieschollek

Brandon has been the Youth Chair of the Z beside the Y’s youth council for a year and has helped to promote volunteering and the importance of giving back to other youth. He has been a consistent positive role model in his roles volunteering with the Z as well as YMCA Summer Day Camps. Brandon helps to resolve conflict amongst youth and children and teaches them valuable lessons in the process. Although it is not always easy, he strives to be a positive influence on younger youth. As he has continued to volunteer, Brandon has grown in confidence and capabilities as a strong teen.

Strong Role Model: John MacDonald

In the fall of 1999, John was a member of the YMCA’s first Adult Streetproofing program. Soon after, he was actively volunteering teaching Streetproofing at the Chaplin Family YMCA to children ages 8- 12 on Saturday mornings. The emphasis is on responsibility and respect while growing up in an ever- changing society. With every class, John is helping children grow mentally, spiritually and physically. They are treated to a good workout, a good laugh and a dose of self-discipline and return the next week. He also takes time to encourage role modeling and sharing talents with some of the beginner classes. The goal is have children develop and become socially responsible, respectful and self disciplined youth and adults. John also raises money for United Way by climbing 144 floors to the top of the CN Tower.

Strong Community: Zuluaga Family

The Zuluaga family came to Canada in 2008 from the USA (originally from Colombia). Since day one they have used any resources they’ve received and spread it through the community. They have changed the community into a big family and anyone can rely on them. They take old broken TVs and computers, fix them and give them to those in need, take people to church, give food or offer their home as temporary accommodation or shelter. Mario Jr. used to be an interpreter – accompanying people on doctor’s or immigration appointments. The whole family volunteers at the shelter and they are a great inspiration and motivation to the community.

YMCA Build Peace Year Round

Although the YMCA incorporates peace building activities year round, during YMCA World Peace Week special emphasis is placed on teaching children and youth about the dimensions of peace. The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA presented its YMCA Peace Medallions at a ceremony held on November 20.

The YMCA of Cambridge

The YMCA of Cambridge plays a leading role in building a healthy community. It offers a range of diverse programs such as child care, immigrant settlement, the Cambridge Youth Leadership Development Centre, a Virtual YMCA and the health, fitness and recreation programs offered at the Chaplin YMCA. The YMCA provides a friendly and safe place where everyone can come together and pursue good health—in spirit, mind, and body. Information on all its programs and services can be found online at: ymcacambridge.com.