Originally posted by the YMCA on http://www.ymcafredericton.nb.ca/2014-peace-medallion-recipients/

PRESS RELEASE

YMCA of Fredericton, 570 York Street, Fredericton, NB, E3B 3R2, 462-3000, Fax 462-3200  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                                    

RE: 2014 FREDERICTON YMCA PEACE MEDALLION RECIPIENTS 

Date: October 20,2014

Contact: Krista Steeves and Shelley Swift

Phone: (506) 462-7694, (506) 462-3000 Ext 149

Fax: (506) 462-3200

The Board of Directors and Global Initiatives Committee of the Fredericton YMCA are pleased to announce that the  recipients of the 2014 YMCA Peace Medallion in Fredericton are Ms. Sorcha Beirne and posthumously, Mr. Andy Scott.

The medallion recognizes the accomplishments of individuals who – without any special resources – are able to stand as models of the contributions all persons could make if they chose. The medallion criteria states that it is to be presented to an individual or group who in their life and activities demonstrate the values expressed in the YMCA World Alliance’s Peace Statement which declares, in part:

“Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationships among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us… The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationships with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities…”

Ms. Sorcha Beirne, 16 years old, born in Ireland and a resident of Fredericton, founded the social justice group The Fredericton Youth Feminists in 2013. She has been involved in Reproductive Justice New Brunswick since the foundation of the group. Sorcha has organized fundraisers, galas and rallies in support of feminist issues. She speaks to both local and national media, including CBC’s The Current on reproductive justice.

In March, 2014, Ms. Beirne received funding to attend and take part in the United Nations Commission of the Status of Women Conference held at the UN headquarters in New York City. Ms. Beirne is a grade 12 student with a strong social justice commitment and hopes to pursue a career in filmmaking.

Mr. Andy Scott was a native of Fredericton and was raised in Barker’s Point in a family that valued good citizenship and social responsibility. As a university student, Andy drove the bus for students with disabilities and was passionate about his Camp Rotary work. He always made it a priority to be at the Boyce Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning to hear what people were concerned about and from these engagements Andy created the “People’s Forums”. These forums brought together the community and politicians from all parties to address social issues and policies head on. The issues addressed at the forums became the issues put forth in government.

Mr. Andy Scott championed the Kelowna Accord to provide resources and address gaps to aboriginal communities. He was also an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. His last project was to establish the New Brunswick Social Policy Research Network to bridge the gap between academics and policy makers. He was most proud of being a husband and father.

Ms. Sorche Beirne and Mr. Andy Scott are excellent examples of individuals, guided by conscience and a sense of social justice, who have made a significant contribution to the lives of others and to the well-being of the province.

The YMCA Peace Medallion originated in Fredericton in 1987 and is now awarded by YMCAs throughout Canada. The medallion will be presented at a ceremony to be held at the Fredericton YMCA on Saturday evening November 22, 2014 at 7pm.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Krista Steeves

Ms. Shelley Swift

Fredericton YMCA

570 Saunders Street

Fredericton, NB E3B 3R2

(506) 462-3000