YMCA is celebrating Peace Week by inspiring people to perform acts of peace throughout the community.
April Robinson, who is the Manager of Communications and Fund Development says that the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is facilitating different activities, including gathering non-perishable food and clothing items to be split between YMCA Housing and Safe ‘N Sound, to support local rural homelessness outreach programs.
“We’re also welcoming our community to express what peace means to them through expressive art, and encourage the community to share acts of peace with us through our social media channels.”
She says that an act of peace can range from volunteering for a local food drive, helping an elderly neighbour by raking leaves, or participating in their by-donation Peaceful Yoga session on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., where admission is by donation of a non-perishable food item.
Donations can be dropped off at any YMCA facility across Grey Bruce.
Robinson says that over the coming weeks, they’ll also be sharing artwork from the children in their childcare programs on their social media platforms.
“Our childcare programs are encouraging our children to explore their understanding of peace by engaging them in colouring activities, expressive art, and reading [by] themselves.”
On Wednesday, the YMCA will also be awarding this year’s Peace Medal recipient during a ceremony.
This year’s award will be given posthumously, with the family of this year’s Peacemaker accepting the medal on their behalf.
“Peacemaking is the core of 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, so during Peace Week we want to facilitate various activities that support acts of peace where everyone can get involved and come together to support each other.”
Residents can share their Acts of Peace on social media with the hashtag #actsofpeace.
To nominate a person or organization as a Peacemaker for next year’s Peace Week, the nomination form is on the YMCA’s Peace Medal Nominations page.