OTTAWA, June 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented a small group of Canadians with the YMCA’s most prestigious award: The YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
Chosen from among nearly 50,000 YMCA volunteers and staff for their outstanding leadership, these 12 committed individuals have provided distinguished service to the YMCA in communities across Canada.
As its Patron, His Excellency 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 Museum of Nature in Ottawa:
Companions
- Bob Chan-Kent of Vancouver, BC
- Patricia L. Pelton of Cochrane, AB
- Wayne Perkins of Calgary, AB
- Michael Weil of Beaconsfield, QC
Officers
- Robert E. Lord of Toronto, ON
- John H. MacDonald of Peterborough, ON
- Mary Mansworth of Brockville, ON
- Don Noble of Manotick, ON
- Michael Novak of Westmount, QC
- Franco Savoia of Calgary, AB
- Helen Katrina Sinclair of Toronto, ON
- Reinhart Weber of Midland, ON
“These YMCA volunteers and staff have touched thousands of lives in so many ways,” said Victor Drury, Chair of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour Advisory Council. “Not only have they helped to ensure that there are state-of-the-art, high-functioning Ys in communities across the country, they have also made sure that generations of children have the opportunity to experience YMCA summer camp; developed leadership programs for our young people; provided leadership that led to affordable housing for families; and changed the face of child care in this country. The impacts of their dedication and passion for building healthy communities will be felt for years to come.”
Said Peter Dinsdale, YMCA Canada’s President and CEO, “We owe these individuals a debt of gratitude for the personal investment they have made to help ensure a sense of belonging—not only for those in their local communities but also for their fellow citizens across the country and around the world. They represent the best of what it means to be Canadian.”
About the YMCA Fellowship of Honour
The YMCA Fellowship of Honour was established in 1978 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 Federation and recommends appointments to the National Board for approval.
About the YMCA in Canada
The YMCA is one of Canada's longest-standing and largest charities, serving more than 2.1 million people annually, with a special focus on children, teens and young adults. Our mandate is to advance the health and well-being of Canadians in spirit, mind and body. Across the country, YMCA Member Associations are providing vital community services that have a positive impact on some of Canada's most pressing social issues—from chronic disease to unemployment, social isolation, poverty, inequality and more.
We offer wrap-around programs that help Canadians become physically active, better connected to their communities, and equipped with the skills needed to achieve success in work and life. By addressing the social determinants of health, we are playing an essential role in the building of a healthier Canada today and for generations to come. For more information, please visit ymca.ca.