*“Recognition, visibility, and support; these are our objectives”, states Mr. Daniel Boisvert, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We see the peace medals as a way for the community to recognize and honor the value and the contributions of these peacemakers. We hope that our event helps bring even more attention and support to their cause. We are aware that even for many of us it is the first time that we hear about the roles they play. As such, we are proud to be able to help the general public learn about them”*.

It was in a room full of emotion and in front of a record number of attendees (over 350 individuals) that the awards were given to the Tolerance Foundation, the McGill Middle East Program (MMEP), the Concordia University Volunteer Abroad Program (CVAP), and to Sophie Langri and Jasmyn Beauséjour.

The YMCAs of Québec also awarded the 2010 Honourary Medal to Mr. Daniel Germain, president-founder of the Club des petits déjeuners du Québec, the Breakfast Clubs of Canada, and the Montreal Millennium Summit, in recognition of his commitment to peace and for his dedication to youth.

*“The Peace Medals should be seen as a gesture of support to encourage the recipients to continue with their efforts. With this honor we wish to incite them to continue promoting peace and fill them with hope for the future”*, added Mr. Stéphane Vaillancourt, President and CEO of The YMCAs of Québec.

**About the 2010 recipients**

**GROUPS**

*Local peace initiatives*

**The Tolerance Foundation**

Founded in 1996, the Tolerance Foundation raises the awareness of youth in terms of respecting differences in order to build a more just and inclusive society. Through its high school awareness workshops, the Foundation informs the students of the inherent dangers of intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination in all its forms.

The Foundation runs numerous Tolerance Caravans which, last year, visited 78 schools and reached more than 26,000 youth. The impact that these caravans have in terms of peace is well-known. Studies have shown that the vast majority of youth reached are able to modify, individually or collectively, prejudicial attitudes and behaviors such as violence, bullying, harassment, etc.

*International peace initiatives*

**McGill Middle East Program (MMEP)**

McGill Middle East Program in Civil Society and Peace Building (MMEP), founded in 1997, is committed to the belief that the reduction of inequality and the promotion of civil society and social justice are intricately related to peace building.

The MMEP, in cooperation with its Jordanian, Israeli, and Palestinian institutional partners, has established 11 rights-based community practice (RBCP) centres in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Palestine, Jordan and Israel. The MMEP’s International MSW Fellowship at McGill University has more than 50 alumni who have built the centres and continue to work across the Middle East to advance social justice.

*Youth initiatives*

**Concordia University Volunteer Abroad Program (CVAP)**

The Concordia Volunteer Abroad Program is a non-profit organization created, funded, and managed by the students and graduates of Concordia University. The program sends student volunteers to northern Uganda where they have the unique opportunity to work in collaboration with local organizations and members of the community on various projects such as the prevention of HIV/AIDS, the fight against prejudice, nutrition, education, food safety, and housing. Participants focus mainly on promoting peace and social justice through discussions and position-taking.

CVAP also organizes events in Montreal in order to promote the restoration of peace and to support small assistance projects in Uganda.

**INDIVIDUALS**

*Local peace initiatives*

**Sophie Langri**

Sophie Langri, a mediation and conflict resolution consultant, has adapted an American program called *“No Fault Classroom”* in order to meet the needs of students at École Buissonnière, an elementary school in Outremont. Renamed *“Peace Zone”*, this program’s goal is to reduce the conflicts and emotional stress that can affect learning in the classroom. It gives teachers and students the tools needed to resolve conflicts that may arise and helps promote harmonious interpersonal relationships. The Peace Zone has a direct impact on the students’ learning as well as their ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Thanks to the Peace Zone, Sophie Langri teaches compassion and empathy; two things that will surely contribute to a more peaceful and non-violent society.

*Youth initiatives*

**Jasmyn Beauséjour**

Involved in various activities since the age of 11, Jasmyn Beauséjour is an excellent role model for his peers and is the type of citizen who enriches the community. During his teenage years, he supported many causes including the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Today, at 18 years of age and a student at Collège André-Grasset, Jasmyn is a spokesperson for the brand new program called Jeune citoyen engagé de l’OEUVRE LÉGER. The program provides help to college students who wish to create concrete and meaningful projects in the fight against poverty by providing grants to help them build their vital projects. Through his tireless work and his concrete actions, he participates in the positive and constructive transformation of society.

**About The YMCAs of Québec**

The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montreal in November 1851. The mission of this charitable organization is to promote the development of people in spirit, mind, and body, and to the empowerment of individuals, families, and communities. Its ten Y centres are visited each year by more than 100,000 people who benefit from its Health, Fitness and Recreation, and Education and Training programs, as well as its Children and Youth programs, its Community and International Initiatives, and its Donations and Volunteering. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 54 YMCA associations. For more information, visit: [http://ymcaquebec.org/en/](http://ymcaquebec.org/en/)