Koach Katrina and Unfiltered Facts North to be recognized for peace-building

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE MARIE YMCA
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From Nov. 16 – 23, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA together with YMCAs across Canada, celebrate the presence of peace in our communities and reflect on the peace-building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA.

Together with the Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA will be hosting a Breakfast for Peace on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, from 7:30 – 9:30 at Grand Gardens North. The Breakfast for Peace will include the presentation of the YMCA Peace Medal which is presented to Peacemakers who challenge and inspire others to pursue acts for peace. 

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is pleased to recognize Katrina Francella “Koach Katrina” and Unfiltered Facts North as this years’ 2019 Peace Medal recipients for their contributions to peace building in our community.   

Koach Katrina will be recognized for starting Rainbow Klub, a 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Allies Youth Group, which supports this often overlooked and excluded youth group a place to feel safe and comfortable, as well as participate actively within the community.

Unfiltered Facts North (formerly the Algoma Youth Action Alliance’s Schools Without Borders), supported by adult ally, Corina Artuso, is a youth-led health promotion coalition of young people aged 12 - 24 and adult allies.  Youth leaders get together once a month to plan meaningful health promotion activities to create a healthier community for all.

The YMCA Peace Medal is awarded 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.  

Presented by GFL Environmental Inc., the Breakfast for Peace with also include Keynote Speaker Hetty van Gurp.  Recognized as a “Canadian Hero” by TIME Magazine, Reader’s Digest and Today’s Parent Magazine for her work in peace education, Hetty van Gurp is an educator, author, and founder of Peaceful Schools International. 

Since 1991, Hetty has served as a peace education consultant to schools and organizations across Canada and internationally. She offers practical ways to move forward in our efforts to strengthen our community.

Tickets can be purchased for $25 each at the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA and include a buffet-style breakfast.  Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible.  We look forward to hosting this very important Breakfast for Peace.

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is a strong association of people joined together by a shared passion to foster a sense of belonging for all. In an age of complex social challenges, the YMCA is steadfastly dedicated to building healthy communities by inviting and encouraging Canadians to join in, to give back, and to gain the connections, skills, and confidence they need to thrive.

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA invites you to Build community. Act for peace.

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