YMCA Peace Medals were handed out in Belleville on Tuesday afternoon.
At Dinkel’s Restaurant, President Dave Allen awarded medals to Golda and Tom Lafferty and Kris and Cassandra Bonn.
CEO of YMCA Central East Ontario Dave Allen says they break down the word peace by each letter.
“P is about Participation, encouraging people to get involved in community building activities. E is Empathy, listening and understanding diverse perspectives to create a sense of belonging for all. A for Advocacy. Making the case for positive change in the community. C is for Community, building and strengthening community, connections, and capacity. Finally E is for Empowerment. Inspiring others to foster peace, to gain skills and tools to be successful.”
Golda Lafferty says she is humbled by the honour and it is overwhelming.
“We don’t feel we’re deserving of this. We don’t feel we do anything exceptional or different. We love our community.”
“We want to give back to the community. The community takes good care of us. We just want to help where we can, if we can, when we can.”
Kris Bonn of Bonn Law says he was most humbled to receive the honour with his wife Cassandra.
“Humbling to receive this kind of award and it means a lot. It’s helping promote peace in the community. I did a little background and I really believe in what it stands for.”
Cassandra Bonn, who works at Quinte Broadcasting.
“The work I do in the community is, and what we do quite frankly is really about giving back and making this community a better place.”
On Monday afternoon in Quinte West, Electro Cables owner Chandy Davis and Mystical Distributing Owner Mark Phillips were given peace medals.
Funds raised from the two luncheons go to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
