YMCA Peace Week, November 15-22

by

This year marks the 30th anniversary of YMCA Peace Week, a time when YMCAs across Canada invite people of all ages to reflect on peace, to talk and to take action – individually and with others. From November 15-22, the YMCA of Oakville will offer activities that help children, youth and adults explore peace from a personal, local and global perspective. The goal is to inspire everyone to: Build community. Act for peace.

When people act with kindness they are acting for peace, they are also building community by promoting a sense of belonging, fostering empathy, embracing pluralism and addressing the social determinants of health.

“The idea of trying to attain world peace can feel overwhelming simply because it’s such a large-scale goal,” says Kyle Barber, President and CEO of the YMCA of Oakville. “But if you look at ways to be kind and spread kindness in your own home and community and gradually work up to bigger national and international issues, it becomes manageable and attainable. Our goal is to demonstrate that together we can make a difference in creating a peaceful community.”

YMCA Peace Week activities include:

· YMCA Candlelight Walk for Peace, Monday, November 17, 6:45-8:30 p.m. at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA. Bring family and friends for a special walk through the neighbourhood, lighting ceremony and hot chocolate. All ages. Free.

· Yoga for Peace, Tuesday, November 18 and Thursday, November 20, 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA. All ages welcome for a free, drop-in yoga class to explore the meaning of peace.

· What to do if you child is bullied with Kirk Smalley, Stand for the Silent, Tuesday, November 18. 6:30 p.m. at Oakville Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road. Tickets $5 with proceeds to Stand for the Silent.

· YMCA Community Breakfast for Peace, Wednesday, November 19, 7:00-9:30 a.m. at Oakville Conference Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Road. Tickets $25 each or $220 for a table of 10.

Visit www.ymcaofoakville.org for complete details.