The prestigious YMCA Peace Medal honours people of all ages from coast to coast who are helping to build better communities by exemplifying the values of PEACE.
2026 Nominations Are Open!
The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is calling on our 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 nominate a deserving person or group for this award before October 16, 2026.
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 below.
Click the button below to submit a nomination:
Celebrate with Us
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November 15 - November 22, 2026
Check back soon for 2026 Peace Week activities at the Y.
About YMCA Peace Week:
YMCA Peace Week is a time when YMCAs 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.
Taking place from November 15-22 in 2026, YMCA Peace Week spotlights how the work of building peace needs to continue now more than ever.
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.
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Peace Medal Recipients
2025 - 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.
2024 - Barb Vandenbor
For her compassionate leadership in addressing rural homelessness and food insecurity by providing meals, fostering community, and advocating for those at risk in Walkerton.
2024 - Joan John
For her tireless leadership in fostering an inclusive, engaged, and empowered community through cultural exchange, support for newcomers and youth, advocacy for peace, and collaboration with local organizations.
2023 - Sharif Rahman
For his exceptional contributions to peace-building within the community and beyond. Despite his passing in August 2023, Sharif’s legacy continues to resonate with those who knew him.
2022 - Lynn Silverton
For being an inclusive community leader who identifies and shares community-building tasks, challenges, and opportunities rather than hoarding them. Her “You can help” message is inspiring as it reinforces the idea that we all own the pursuit of solutions to community problems.
2021 - Aly Boltman and the Potter’s Field Monument Volunteer Steering Committee
For giving a priceless gift to families of the interned at Potter’s Field in Greenwood Cemetery in the form of a monument which reflects on the historic connections of the Underground Railroad (UGRR) to Owen Sound.
2021 - Susan Staves and the Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden Project Committee
For being a driving force, founding member, and committee chair and the Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden Project Committee, creating a place to recognize and celebrate Indigenous peoples in Grey and Bruce.
2020 - Jillian Lyman
For her advocacy and organizing of the Owen Sound Solidarity March for the Black Lives Matter movement.
2019 - Sheatre
For inspiring transformative learning and change through interactive theatre, while bringing awareness of social issues to allow disenfranchised children and adults to be “heard” and “feel included” in society.
2018 - Da-Namaamin Moseyang Giw-Ganchigaazjig Kwewag, “We will walk in prayer for those murdered women”
A grassroots Indigenous-led action and response to the murders and disappearances of Indigenous women, girls, and future generations. The Prayer walkers have been led by E Naad Maa Get (Branden Emmerson), Niibin Kegadonce (Tianna Fillo) (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) and Jacqueline Hines (Pennsylvania) while Carlene Keeshig provides strategic support in Neyaashiinigmiing.
2017 - The Ambassador Group
For their devotion and commitment to advocating mental health with a mission to raise awareness, reduce stigma and be welcoming to all.
2016 - Shirley John
For her life’s work fostering healing, forgiveness and inclusion in our communities, bringing together people of all nations to promote peace.
2015 - Colleen Purdon
For her dedication to raising awareness of critical issues such as violence against women, and taking on a leadership role in building a stronger community.
2014 - Dr. Donald Willmott
For his lifelong commitment to, and involvement in, the practice of peace.
2014 - Joan Beecroft
For her support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer (known as LGBTQ) community (also referenced as transsexual, questioning and two-spirited) across Grey and Bruce Counties.
2013 - Joachim Ostertag
For his unfailing commitment and dedication towards ending violence against women.
2012 - Bill Proud
For his tireless efforts to build a peaceful and just community, free from gender-based violence, discrimination and social injustice.
2012 - Ann Vos
For her exceptional ability to create peace and harmony in the lives of all she’s involved with through her volunteer work, role modelling and leadership.
2011 - Frontline Staff and Volunteers from M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre
For providing a safe place to explore diversity, inclusion and ways to end discrimination, and for exemplifying respect, care, peace and inclusivity.
2011 - Jackie Kennedy
For her personal commitment to achieving peace, equal opportunity and the best for her community and students.
2009 - Charlotte Lehmann
For her educational involvement of students in peace related activities, as well as being involved in Grey – Bruce Coalition for Peace and Justice.
2008 - Frank Barningham
For his lifelong dedication to furthering the cause of peace.
2007 - Albrecht Ebner
For his commitment to bringing the message of peace to the community of Kincardine.
2006 - The Peace Labyrinth Committee (Marg Capel, Wendy Woodhouse, Kerry Lee, Julie Rice)
For their efforts in building a Labyrinth, designed as a multi-faith tool and permanent place for individuals to find personal peace as well as providing a place where bridges of understanding can be built.
2005 - SPEAK (Students Promoting Equality, Acceptance and Kindness)
For raising awareness and delivering special activities that promote peace and understanding among students in OSCVI and West Hill High Schools.
2005 - Virginia Wiley
For her leadership and work on school-based Restorative Justice Measures for the Bluewater District School Board.
2004 - Volunteers and Staff of The Women’s Centre (Grey & Bruce) Inc.
For their work in support of women and children in crisis from domestic violence.
2004 - Sue Loyst & the Bluewater District School Board Anti-Bullying Task Force
For their work in making school communities more accepting, more just and more peaceful.
2003 - Michael Martin
For his efforts on behalf of the Youth Justice Circle Program in Grey and Bruce Counties, a program that recognizes that alternatives to youth court provide an opportunity for young persons to become accountable for their behaviour and for the healing of their victims and of community relationships.
2003 - Cranes for Peace (Doris Arnold, Cathy Hird, Joachim Ostertag, Colleen Purdon, Ann Schneider, Charlotte Lehmann, Michael McLuhan)
For their work in promoting peace rather than war as a resolution to problems in Iraq.
2002 - Clark Schneider
For his work with the Men’s Program (Grey/Bruce) to end domestic violence in families and violence against women.
2002 - Maureen Low of Dufferin Elementary School
For introducing the Tribes program, which promotes inclusion and strengthens the harmony of relationships both in and out of the classroom.
2001 - Eileen Wainwright, Jan Donnelly, Faculty & Students of Victoria Elementary School
For their efforts in creating a peaceful learning environment through the implementation of the Virtues Program, that encourages us to live by our virtues, remembering that we are people of kindness, justice and courage.
2001 - Dan Russell of Hepworth Central School
For his work as a peacemaker within the school system through the implementation of a program that encourages peaceful co-existence and creates a learning environment that is safe and supportive for all.
2000 - Victim Assistance Program of Grey/ Owen Sound
For their role in crisis intervention.
2000 - Kerry J. Lee
For her work in mediation and public education on peaceful means of conflict resolution.
1991 - Baha’i Community of Owen Sound
For their work in developing international understanding and promoting peace in the community.
1988 - Mary Wilkins
For her work in international development.
1987 - Michele Lavin & Don Wilkinson
For their work on nuclear disarmament.
