Corner Brook -
The local YMCA will be awarding volunteer Bernice Buckle this year's peace medal as part of its peace week activities.
Buckle is a volunteer with the Seniors Wellness Committee, whose effort on behalf of Corner Brook senior citizens, the Corner Brook Winter Carnival committee and numerous other community organizations, has made a positive impact on the community.
This year's peace week theme - YMCA inspires peace. Think it. Say it. Do it - is also the focus for the eighth annual David Elliott Memorial YMCA Peace Week Speak Off for Grade 6 students.
A prepared statement from the local YMCA stated each of us has the potential to be a peace builder in our daily life. The Humber Community YMCA together with YMCAs across Canada is inspiring and empowering kids, youth and adults to make a positive impact, especially during the week of Nov. 21-28.
"In today's globalized world, we are all connected to each other more than we may realize," Evie Newton, chair of the Humber Community YMCA, said. "Through sharing our message of peace we are able to inspire others to become engaged in peaceful actions."
Although peace building is part of the YMCAs year-round programs, extra emphasis is placed on exploring peace on many different levels, especially with children and youth. This year, inspiring others to become actively engaged in peace in their everyday lives is being emphasized as an important part of peace building.
"Our individual actions towards peace are key components of creating a healthier and more peaceful world," Christine Young, the local Y's chief executive officer, said. "YMCA peace week focuses on demonstrating and living our core values of inclusion, respect, responsibility, caring, love and also preserving the earth."
A YMCA peace building activity guide was created to help children, youth, and adults translate values into actions by exploring topics such as co-operation, empathy, respect, positive communication, conflict resolution, and parallels between global and community issues.
Parents and educators are encouraged to log on to www.ymca.ca to download this free guide.
