We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us….
YMCA Statement on Peace
YMCA Peace Week is a time when we 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.
YMCA Peace Week calls people to build community and act for peace. When we act for peace, together we build stronger and healthier communities.
YMCA Peace Medal Recipients
Each year, YMCAs across Canada celebrate acts of peace by recognizing individuals and groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, have demonstrated a commitment to building peace within their community or communities elsewhere in the world. During YMCA Peace Week local peacemakers will receive special recognition.
Click on the images below to view the 2025 YMCA Peace Medal Recipients!
North Bay
Sue Simons
YMCA Peace Week is a time when YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of P-E-A-C-E through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.
In 2025 in North Bay, the individual Peace Medal was presented to Sue Symons. Sue was recognized for her work with Grace’s Boutique, a dignified and supportive initiative created in partnership with Royal LePage to support women from local shelters as they rebuild their lives. Through donated clothing, personal care items and a curated shopping experience with a stylist, Grace’s Boutique provides women with workplace essentials while helping restore confidence, dignity and choice during an important transition.
Sue’s work is a shining example of living the values of peace through kindness, inclusion and community action. Her commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive experience helps women feel valued and empowered as they take steps toward rebuilding their lives.
The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is grateful for the role community builders like Sue play in our region and is thrilled to celebrate her.
Bears Who Care Student Group
YMCA Peace Week is a time when YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of P-E-A-C-E through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.
In 2025 in North Bay, the group Peace Medal was presented to Bears Who Care from St. Joseph-Scollard Hall. For 27 years, students have dedicated their time outside of school to projects that support their community, from fundraisers benefiting local families and health causes to meaningful community initiatives.
Bears Who Care are a bright example of living the values of peace through kindness, empathy and action. Their commitment demonstrates the impact young people can have when they come together to support others, and shows how small acts of kindness can create a lasting difference in the community.
The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is grateful for the role community builders like Bears Who Care play in our region and is thrilled to celebrate their contributions.
Sudbury
Katy Scharf
YMCA Peace Week is a time when YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of P-E-A-C-E through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.
For 2025 in Sudbury, the YMCA Peace Medal was presented to Katy Scharf. Katy was recognized for her compassionate leadership, community engagement, and dedication to children and youth involved with the Children’s Aid Society. Over the past several years, Katy has organized Christmas gifts for youth in care, bringing together volunteers, businesses, donors and families to ensure every young person feels valued, remembered and celebrated during the holiday season.
Katy’s work is a shining example of living the values of peace through empathy, dignity and community action. Her efforts have grown into a community-wide initiative, helping to reduce isolation and remind young people that they matter. She has also helped bring greater awareness to the experiences of youth in care and inspired others to take meaningful action in support of them.
The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is grateful for the role community builders like Katy play in our region and is thrilled to celebrate her commitment to bringing hope, connection and joy to young people in our communities.
Timmins
Vanessa Gauthier
YMCA Peace Week is a time when YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth, or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of P-E-A-C-E through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.
For 2025 in Timmins, the YMCA Peace Medal was presented to Vanessa Genier, founder of Quilts for Survivors. Through her extraordinary leadership and dedication, Vanessa brings comfort, healing and connection to residential school Survivors across the country. Her work has created meaningful connections between communities and offered a tangible expression of care and support to Survivors.
Vanessa’s work is a shining example of living the values of peace through empathy, advocacy, community and empowerment. She has encouraged others to participate in meaningful acts of healing, used her voice to support positive change, and helped strengthen the capacity of communities to come together in support of Survivors. Her dedication demonstrates how compassion and collective action can create lasting impact.
The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is grateful for the role community builders like Vanessa play in our region and across the country, and is thrilled to celebrate her commitment to peace, healing and community strength.