According to Vishal and Ishan Vijay, “young people have the power to change the world”. This belief, born from witnessing extreme poverty in India, inspired these two brothers to create EveryChildNow, an Oakville youth-run, non-profit organization. And it was their deep passion for making a difference, both in Oakville and beyond, that made them a YMCA Peace Medal recipient in 2015.
After spending time with underprivileged street kids in India in 2012, Vishal and Ishan decided to start a small non-profit to help the kids they had met. What started as a small group of five friends simply wanting to do some good, has now grown into a national organization that works to protect and promote children's rights in Canada and around the world.
Do you know someone like Vishal or Vijay?
YMCA Peace Medal Nominations due Friday, October 21, 2016
If you know a youth, adult or group who is making a difference in Oakville, nominate them for a 2016 YMCA Peace Medal by visiting ymcaofoakville.org. Selected recipients will receive a YMCA Peace Medal, along with $500 for their charitable work, at the YMCA Community Breakfast for Peace on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. Tickets for the event, with keynote speaker and original Freedom Writer Manny Scott are also now on sale.
Manny Scott is the author of three books: Your Next Chapter, a book that shows people, step-by-step, how to create the life of their dreams; and, How to R.E.A.C.H. Youth Today, a book that shares his unique approach to helping others; and, Turning the Page, his not-yet-released memoir that he only makes available to people who hear him in person.
In 2007, Mr. Scott founded Ink International, Inc, an educational consulting firm that has empowered nearly two million people to improve the quality of not only their own lives, but also the lives of those around them; Ink has helped hundreds of organizations raise student achievement and leader effectiveness in 48 states and four continents; and, Ink has helped prevent thousands of dropouts and suicides.
About YMCA Peace Week
YMCA Peace Week will be celebrated at YMCA’s across Canada from November 19-26, 2016. During the week YMCA’s will offer activities that help children, youth and adults explore peace from personal, community and global perspectives. During YMCA Peace Week, we ask people to “Build community and act for peace”.
As part of YMCA Peace Week, the YMCA of Oakville presents YMCA Peace Medals to individuals and 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.
A variety of events and activities will be hosted during the week including the Candlelight Walk for Peace, Be Kind Bells, a free movie screening of Freedom Writers at Film.ca and the YMCA Community Breakfast for Peace. Visit ymcaofoakville.org for complete details.