39th Annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. (Program begins at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y2
Tickets: Tickets will go on sale in September
39th Annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast
In partnership with Farah Family Foundation and Hasty Market
We’re proud to announce that Mark Brand—award-winning social entrepreneur, restaurateur, and advocate for community-driven change—will be the 2026 YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast speaker.
Mark is widely known for reimagining how business can be a force for good. Through his work, he has advanced food security, created inclusive employment pathways, and strengthened communities by centring dignity, belonging, and opportunity. At this year’s breakfast, Mark will share his perspective on leadership, community, and building a more equitable future for all.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sara Collyer
T: 365-336-7376
E: sara.collyer@ymcahbb.ca
Event Contact
Susy Comegna
T: 905-681-1140
E: susy.comegna@ymcahbb.ca
Charitable Registration #10808 3825 RR0001
About Mark Brand
Mark Brand is a pioneering chef and entrepreneur in the field of Social Impact and Community Development. Along with leading his 5 organizations, Brand is a Stanford fellow, Professor of Innovation and Design Thinking, has served as executive chef for the American Refugee Committee and Pope Francis's Climate Challenge, served as Entrepreneur in Residence for The City of Sydney Australia, and received Canada’s Golden Jubilee Medal for service to his country and community.
Brand also leads the United Nations Catalyst team focusing on food waste, poverty, and the impacts of current systemic structures on the most marginalized, traveling globally to learn and share best real-world practices and solutions from kitchens and stages alike.
Most recently he launched “BETTER”, an iHeart Original radio show and podcast, bringing tools for us all to live better lives through stories of lived experiences from our most beloved citizens.
At the root of everything he works on, he believes that only true partnership and collaboration can create the successes we need and that there is no “Us and Them, only Us.”
