YMCA Peace Medal winners
A local tattoo artist, a meal program and a pen pal project among selections for awards
A LOCAL TATTOO ARTIST, a meal program and a pen pal project are among this year’s winners of the YMCA Peace Medal awards.
The awards from the YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford— now in their 31st year — are given to individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to promoting tolerance, social justice, and cohesion in their communities and around the world.
The 2018 recipients and nominees were honoured Wednesday morning at the annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast, which was held at the Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s.
Max FineDay, executive director of Canadian Roots Exchange, was this year’s keynote speaker. FineDay is from the Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan.
He is a leader in delivering reconciliation programming to Indigenous and nonIndigenous youth across the country.
This year’s YMCA Peace Medal recipients:
Adult Individual Winner
Memphis Cadeau — Cadeau is a tattoo artist in Hamilton who offers free laser removal of tattoos that are affiliated with past history of abuse, violence, assault or incarceration. Cadeau has already helped 200 individuals through her business, Grim City Tattoo Club. Her goal is to help people achieve a fresh start by removing marks of violence and abuse.
Adult Group Winners
Out of the Cold — The Hamilton not-forprofit organization prepares and administers meals to people in the community six days a week at 10 locations. The meals are provided to men, women and children experiencing hardship with no questions asked. The program also offers volunteer opportunities.
The Pen Pal Project — Caledonia’s Pen Pal committee is made up of a cross-cultural group of volunteers who visit schools and pair classrooms with one another to create cultural awareness through interactive demonstrations. Through the project, which celebrated 10 years in 2016, stories are shared and relationships are built by exchanging letters, art and gifts.
Youth Group Winners
Link Crew at North Park Collegiate — The transition program started at the Brantford high school five years ago as a way to connect Grade 9 students with senior-year mentors. The program allows for a smooth integration for Grade 9 students and ongoing support throughout their first year of high school. The program also provides seniors with leadership, conflict resolution and problemsolving skills. Native Youth Advancement with Education Hamilton (NYAWEH) at Cathedral High School — NYAWEH provides cultural programming to youth in their school and across the board. The group is compromised of Indigenous and nonIndigenous youth, offering opportunities to build capacity with younger members and spread awareness, inclusion and understanding about Indigenous culture in their communities. NYAWEH offers peer support, leads teachings and has conducted a summer literacy program for elementary school students.