YMCA announces 2025 Peace Medal recipients for local and global peace-building

Today, YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford announced the recipients of the YMCA Peace Medal at its 38th annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast. As part of YMCA Peace Week observed by YMCAs across Canada, the annual YMCA Peace Medal Breakfast serves to recognize 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.  

 

At this year’s ceremony, three individuals/groups were announced as recipients of the 2025 YMCA Peace Medal across three categories: Adult Award, Youth Award, and International Award.  

 

“This year’s YMCA Peace Medal recipients and nominees remind us that peace begins with each of us in how we lead, listen, and lift others up. Their remarkable efforts, whether in local advocacy, youth leadership, or international collaboration, show us what’s possible when we work together. Their impact inspires us to take action, to foster connection and belonging, and create communities where everyone can thrive” said Manny Figueiredo, President & CEO YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.

 

 

Adult Category (ages 26 and up)

Jamie Kozub, Burlington, On

 

Jamie Kozub is the co-founder of Burlington Dads, a not-for-profit organization that has raised over $1 million for local charities while fostering connection, belonging, and support for thousands of fathers. Since its founding in 2015, Burlington Dads has grown into a 7,000+ member strong community dedicated to strengthening families and creating lasting change. Jamie’s commitment to peace and well-being extends beyond this group — he serves on the Board of Directors for Carpenter Hospice and is a founding member of Capillary Wave Community, a grassroots movement advancing mental health for men and women. Through leadership, advocacy, and storytelling as a podcast co-host, Jamie continues to uplift others and build a more connected and compassionate community.

 

Youth Category (ages 25 and under)

Indigenous Student Association (ISA) at Pauline Johnson Collegiate Vocational School Brantford, Ontario

 

The Indigenous Student Association (ISA) at Pauline Johnson Collegiate Vocational School is a student-led group rooted in Truth and Reconciliation. Open to all students, ISA uplifts Indigenous voices and fosters cultural sharing, advocacy, and community connection. One of their most impactful initiatives is the Every Child Matters football game, which brings together students, elders, performers, and community organizations to honour Residential School survivors and celebrate Indigenous culture. ISA members also lead workshops, fundraisers, and peer-support activities, including welcoming Grade 7 and 8 students from Six Nations. Their work is entirely volunteer-driven and deeply collaborative, involving student councils, local services, and Indigenous performers. Through inclusive programming and community partnerships, ISA builds sustainable change, strengthens relationships, and creates a welcoming space for all students to learn, lead, and grow together in the spirit of reconciliation.

 

Patricia Gagic, Hamilton, On

 

Patricia Gagic is a Hamilton-based peace-builder whose international efforts span Haiti, Cambodia, and Nepal. As Chief Visionary Officer of Help Heal Humanity, she has expanded education access in Haiti’s Canaan region, helping break cycles of poverty through free schooling and sustainable development. In Cambodia, her 19-year partnership supports post-conflict recovery, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment through projects like chicken farming and the Innovation House. In Nepal, Patricia supports Indigenous Sherpa communities through her role with The Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation, advancing education, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship supporting communities whose traditional practices are essential for Himalayan environmental conservation. Her work is rooted in cultural sensitivity and long-term collaboration, addressing root causes of conflict: poverty, lack of education, and economic instability - while strengthening local traditions and community structures.

 

The YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford also extends is congratulations to all nominees: 

 

 

For a complete list of nominees, recipients, categories, and profiles, please visit www.YMCAPeacemedal.ca 

 

The YMCA views peace as more than just the absence of war; it encompasses recognizing basic human rights and fulfilling basic human needs. Since 1984, Canadian YMCAs have observed YMCA Peace Week in November, engaging people of all ages in exploring peace locally and globally. This week-long event unites YMCA Associations, international partners, and numerous schools and community organizations in our shared mission to foster a more just and peaceful world. 

 

As part of YMCA Peace Week, YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal 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. The YMCA Peace Medal was developed in 1987 by a small group of volunteers and staff at the YMCA of Fredericton. The first Peace Medal was awarded that year in Fredericton to Jim and Kay Bedell. To date, more than 1,950 individuals and groups across Canada have been recognized for their peacebuilding work with YMCA Peace Medals.