Toronto, November 13, 2006

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is proud to announce this year’s 16 Peace Medallion recipients.  This year’s Peace Medallion recipients and ceremonies include:

• Anne Clarke, North East Scarborough YMCA Employment Centre, Tuesday, November 21 @ 8 a.m.;
• Loly Rico and Francisco Rico-Martinez & Drew’s Group, Metro-Central YMCA, Tuesday, November 21 @ 6:30 p.m.;
• Seyma Sarikok, Mississauga YMCA, Tuesday, November 21 @ 7 p.m.;
• Jasmin Ashman, Jamaican Canadian Association, Tuesday, November 21 @ 6:30 p.m.;
• Angela Haynes, Momiji Centre, Wednesday, November 22 @ 8:30 a.m.;
• Luz Bascunan & Harold Clarke, YMCA Cedar Glen, Wednesday, November 22 @ 6: 30 p.m.;
• Katie Zeppieri & John Morrison, Durham Family YMCA,Wednesday, November 22 @ 6:30 p.m.;
• Larry Clements, Keswick YMCA Employment Resource Centre, Wednesday, November 22 @ 6: 30 p.m.;
• Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes & Eva Marszweski, 42 Charles Street East, 9th Floor, Thursday, November 23 @ 7:30 a.m.;
• Ryan Powell, Brampton YMCA, Thursday, November 23 @ 6:30 p.m.;
• Kofi Sankofa, Albion Public Library, Thursday, November 23 @ 7 p.m.;
• Kamil Sadiq, Markham Civic Centre, Friday, November 24 @ 8 a.m.      

(NOTE: Please visit http://www.ymcatoronto.org/ and click on WHAT’S HAPPENING – Peace Medallion Presentations for photos and bios of recipients, as well as times and locations of ceremonies).

In 1987, the YMCA Peace Medallion was developed for Canadian associations to recognize individuals or groups who, without any special resources, have demonstrated their commitment to building peace in their communities and around the world.

A large part of YMCA World Peace Week is centred on teaching children and youth about love, compassion and everyday acts of human kindness.  Through games and activities, children and youth explore the meaning of inclusion, respect, commitment, building a sense of community, equality and justice.  Using the YMCA Peace Building Activity Guide, children and youth translate values into actions by exploring topics such as cooperation, empathy, respect, positive communication, conflict resolution and parallels between community and global issues.  Parents and educators are encouraged to download this free 107-page guide at http://www.ymca.ca/.

“We are proud to honour these incredible individuals and groups who have made a tremendous impact in their communities,” says Scott Haldane, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto.  “Once people see the difference that one person can make, they start to look at making more connections locally, nationally and globally.  Whether people work in unison with others or on their own, we have the ability and the power to improve the social, economic, political and environmental conditions in the world today.”

Sixteen GTA residents will be awarded Peace Medallions at upcoming ceremonies taking place at various times and locations between November 18 – 25, and will include the participation of the following communities: Scarborough, Keswick, Brampton, Etobicoke, North York, Markham, Oshawa, Mississauga, Nobleton, Metro Toronto, and Durham.

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity offering opportunities for personal growth, community involvement and leadership.  As a values-based charity working in 200 locations throughout the GTA, the YMCA builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities.  The YMCA of Greater Toronto works with more than 400,000 men, women, children, and families of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, in all stages of life involves 5,000 volunteers and enjoys the support of 12,000 donors. 

For further information, please contact:
Jamie Slater
Manager, Association Communications 
YMCA of Greater Toronto
(416) 413-1020, ext. 2362
jamie.slater@ymcagta.org