Pictou County organization honoured with Peace Medal
A local organization was recognized on Monday for its efforts in working with and welcoming refugee families to the area.
The YMCA awarded Pictou County Safe Harbour with its Group Organization Peace Medal during a morning ceremony at the Wellness Centre.
“There were probably 240 people there and they’re probably better morning people than I am,” laughed Safe Harbour chairperson, Sarah MacIntosh Wiseman, during an interview following the event. “We know that there are a lot of local community members coming together and building a truly diverse and inclusive community in a way that benefits everybody that’s here.”
Through the Trinity United Church, Pictou County Safe Harbour started as a local organization aimed at welcoming refugees. It has grown into a registered non-profit, working for refugee resettlement and creating more formalized framework which it hopes will soon support large numbers of newcomers and locals alike.
The award ceremony was part of the YMCA’s Peace Week, which continues nationwide until Nov. 24. Three awards handed out were all in recognition of individuals, youth and organizations working toward creating peaceful communities.
“We can’t take it for granted,” said MacIntosh Wiseman. “It needs to be something that we thoughtfully and deliberately build into our communities.”
Tareq Hadhad, a Syrian refugee who came to Canada and settled in Antigonish three years ago, was the event’s keynote speaker. Hadhad, the founder and general manager of the chocolate company, Peace by Chocolate, says it’s important to continue to bring people to small, rural Nova Scotia communities.
“They’re coming, they’re starting businesses, they’re raising their kids, they’ve contributing to the societies that they’re now in.” Tareq Hadhad
“I know that Halifax is growing, so now we should take and focus in on our more rural societies, whether it’s in (New Glasgow or Antigonish), on the newcomers.”
“They’re coming, they’re starting businesses, they’re raising their kids, they’ve contributing to the societies that they’re now in.”
Other award recipients on Monday were Beth McNeil, who won the YMCA’s youth award for her work in pushing back against bullying as co-premier of the Nova Scotia Student’s Association; and Henry Green, who won the individual award for his dedicated volunteer work with junior B and Weeks Major Midget hockey teams.
“I have never been more optimistic as I am today, and the greatest days for our province are still ahead of us,” said Hadhad.