YMCA World Peace Week will be celebrated November 15 to 22, 2008. 

YMCA Peace Week is unique to Canada. It originated in 1984 when YMCA Canada decided to add an entire week of peace-related activities to follow Peace Day. For that reason, the week is eight days long, running from the third to fourth Saturday in November.

YMCA World Peace Week provides an opportunity for YMCAs across the country to promote activities and educational programs to help people explore peace from a personal, community, and international perspective. We teach children, youth and adults about the many dimensions of peace such as acceptance, inclusiveness, caring, respect and responsibility.

Every year during YMCA World Peace Week, the YMCA of Greater Toronto stages the 2008 Peace Medallion Awards Ceremonies to promote peace by celebrating peacemakers in our communities. The Peace Medallion recognizes individuals who have shown a commitment to peace through personal contributions made within their community on a voluntary basis.

As Peace Week approaches, we will post more information about the exciting activities and celebrations planned.