The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is celebrating local peacemaker Johanne Brousseau of North Bay for her "significant contribution toward peace-building."
Last week was YMCA Peace Week, 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 peace through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.
This year in North Bay, the medal was presented to Johanne Brousseau, a long-time YMCA supporter, going back to her days as a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
"She has continued to serve as a board member, and chair of the finance committee and is a strong supporter of a myriad of events," says a release.
"As an avid swimmer, Johanne saw an opportunity, through swimming, to develop a fundraising event called 'Tour de Trout' and since the inception of the program, it has become an annual event that has grown in stature as well as an ever-growing fundraiser to Y programs."
“I volunteer at the ‘Y’ every spring, helping triathletes improve their swimming skills,” Tour de Trout chair, Johanne Brousseau told BayToday.
See: Tour de Trout makes a splash raising money for YMCA kids
"Johanne is a shining example of living the values of the peace," adds the release. "In addition to all the above, Johanne has been a hands-on supporter of programs for children and adults with disabilities. Her work is an inspiration to not only those directly involved but to their families as well."
“The recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal demonstrates that peace has many dimensions," says Helen Francis, President of the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. "They show us the importance of building communities, locally, nationally, or internationally, where people feel that they belong and are included. Most often their actions started small and grew into something bigger than themselves. That is the power of peace,”
See an interview below done by Dave Dale from Small Town Times.
