OTTAWA – Today, the Honourable Senator Ratna Omidvar presented a small group of Canadians with the YMCA’s most prestigious award: The YMCA Fellowship of Honour. These 12 committed individuals have provided distinguished service to the YMCA in communities across Canada.
Senator Omidvar presented the YMCA Fellowship of Honour medal, designed by award-winning artist Dora de Pedery-Hunt, to the following appointees. Each also received a framed citation and lapel pin during a ceremony held at the Rideau Club in Ottawa:
Companions
- Brenda Flaherty of Hamilton, ON
- Scott Haldane of Ottawa, ON
- Marilyn Kapitany of Winnipeg, MB
- Craig Rowe of St. John’s, NL
Officers
- David Beatty of Brockville, ON
- Ian Brown of Metchosin, BC
- Dan Bulger of Cobourg, ON
- Janet Giles of Sherwood Park, AB
- John Lindsay Jr. of Seabright, NS
- Andrew Melton of Calgary, AB
- Richard St-Yves of Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, QC
- Robert Vokey of Charlottetown, PEI
“These YMCA volunteers and staff have touched thousands of lives in so many ways,” said Nik Nanos, Chair of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour Advisory Council. “They have helped to ensure that there are modern, high-functioning Ys in communities across the country. They have made sure that generations of children have the opportunity to experience YMCA summer camp. They have developed leadership and alternative suspension programs for young people. They have created groundbreaking community health programs and partnerships. They helped YMCAs across Canada and around the world to keep their doors open and continue to serve their communities during a global pandemic.”
“Each of these individuals is a shining example of what it means to give back to community,” said Peter Dinsdale, YMCA Canada’s President and CEO. “Their passion for helping to ensure a sense of belonging for all has created ripples of positive impact in communities across Canada and around the world. We are forever grateful for their contributions, and reminded of the tremendous difference one committed person can make.”
About the YMCA Fellowship of Honour
The YMCA Fellowship of Honour was established in 1981 as the highest recognition for YMCA volunteers and staff. It is presented every three to four years by its patron, the Governor General of Canada. Today’s appointees join a long list of 111 volunteers and staff whose exceptional contributions have been honoured in one of two Fellowship of Honour categories: as a Companion, for outstanding national and international leadership, or as an Officer, for local or regional leadership contributions.
Appointments to the YMCA Fellowship of Honour are governed by a selection process established by the YMCA Fellowship of Honour Constitution and directed by an Advisory Council composed of a Canadian YMCA leader as Chair, at least three Canadians who have served the YMCA with distinction, the Chair of the YMCA National Board and the national President and Chief Executive Officer. The Council considers nominations received from throughout the Canadian YMCA movement and recommends appointments to the National Board for approval.
About YMCA Canada
The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in over 2 million people annually, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Across Canada, the YMCA delivers a wide variety of programs and services that empower people of all ages and life stages to overcome barriers and rise to their full potential. Programs include child care, health and wellness, aquatics, employment services, immigrant settlement, camps, mental wellness, and many other community initiatives that respond to local needs. Foundational to all this is the YMCA’s commitment to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and a sense of belonging.
The YMCA in Canada is comprised of 37 YMCA Member Associations, supported by YMCA Canada, the national office, working together so all Canadians can shine on.
