It was a chance to bring the young and old together.
They may be more than 70 years apart in age but Ralph Diegel and Abigail Tanner were both honoured together as the two North Bay natives received 2017 YMCA Peace Medals at a ceremony at the YMCA on Monday afternoon.
Ralph Diegel, also known as Mr. Downtown, is 91 years of age and has owned and operated Deegan’s Shoes since the late 1940’s.
But today he was recognized as an honourable veteran, long-time member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23, Chairman of the 65 unit complex, Founder of Club 45, Supporter of the North Bay Figure Skating Club, and past President of the North Bay Rotary Club.
“I really didn’t know anything about it until this morning so I have not had much time to think about it but I do understand that it is quite an honour,” said the humble North Bay businessman.
“At my age, I have been honoured so much in my life, what can I say.”
Abigail Tanner may not be close in age but she's realized for the past decade that she wants to be a leader in life.
The 17-year-old Widdifield Senior Secondary student is being recognized as Honorary Chair of the Learning Disabilities of Ontario North Bay Chapter, Volunteer at Can-Do Theatre, Organizer of the “Art for Education” event, organizer of donations of school supplies to Kenya and Costa Rica and for being a leader for self-advocacy and anti-bullying.
Tanner believes she has grown into a youth leader that can be an example for other young people to follow.
“When I was in grade six I always wanted to be what all my friends were and what they were doing and in the past few years one of my mentors from WE said that without followers there is no leader so being a follower for such a long time kind of made me realize that I should be a leader because I am so much more than a follower and that is what has kept driving me to be a leader like I am right now,” she said.
This is the 30th year of the YMCA Peace Medal initiative that highlights YMCA Peace week which takes place from November 18th to 25th.
“The recipients of the YMCA Peace Medal are a tremendous inspiration and they demonstrate how we can improve the quality of life in our local, national or global community. They exemplify the values of YMCA Peace Week and the positive impact any one of us can make,” says Jacqueline Grube, Vice President of Children’s Services at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario in a release.
