How Peace Week Brought Our Community Together

YMCA of Cape Breton recognized three extraordinary individuals with Peace Medals as part of Peace Week 2024, celebrating their commitment to fostering participation, empathy, advocacy, community and empowerment.

During Peace Week, YMCAs across Canada celebrate acts of peace by recognizing individuals and groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, have demonstrated a commitment to building peace within their community or communities elsewhere in the world.

Running from November 16 to 23, Peace Week encouraged everyone to carry on small, meaningful actions that build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Meet Our Peace Medal Recipients

Newell Johnson – Empowering Youth in Eskasoni

As Principal of Allison Bernard Memorial High School (ABMHS), Newell Johnson is the heart of her school and one of the most community-minded people in Eskasoni. She organizes Nitap Day, Nitap means friend, an entire day of celebration where she honors the students in her school and encourages them to be proud of their identity and community. She is an active member in pretty much every club and activity happening at ABMHS. She is running the GSA, Girls Drumming Group, Interact Club, art club, and even sports teams – always putting her students first.

She’s all about empowering youth—helping them reconnect with their culture, embrace who they are, and follow their dreams. Newell goes out of her way to find opportunities for her students, like getting funding for Two-Spirit projects and taking students to cultural events to meet elders. Newell has that magical combination of strength and empathy which empowers her to role model resilience to the youth of her community.

Newell’s superpower is quietly supporting those in need while never looking for recognition or celebration, but she certainly deserves both.

Paul Ratchford – A Champion for the North Side

As a retired police officer, Paul has poured his time and heart into supporting vulnerable populations in Cape Breton. He’s the driving force behind J-Street Community Space in Sydney Mines and the Clifford Street Youth Centre in North Sydney—two nonprofits providing programs and support for children and their families.

Paul doesn’t just talk about change; he creates it. Whether it’s advocating for youth, helping families facing food insecurity, or mentoring young leaders, Paul’s impact is immense. He leads with compassion, using his privilege to elevate others and break down barriers for those in need.

From delivering food hampers and warm clothing to empowering youth to become changemakers, Paul is a constant source of support and hope for his community.

Dodie Hanna – Lifelong Mentor and Advocate

For nearly 40 years, Dodie Hanna has dedicated her life to mentoring youth and advocating for LGBTQ+ community. Dodie also enriches the experiences of international students by introducing them to Cape Breton’s sights and cultural diversity. Driven by compassion, she has distributed over 2,000 items of warm clothing to help those experiencing homelessness. As a mentor to thousands of Air Cadets, she offers essential support and is always available for guidance. Nationally, her former cadets are making meaningful changes in politics, while globally, they represent Canada with pride. Dodie seeks no recognition, instead finding joy in knowing that her kindness spreads joy and peace to others.

Free Community Events and Activities

In the beginning of Peace Week, we raised the Peace Week flag at the CBRM City Hall with Mayor Cecil Clarke and councilors as a symbol of our commitment to building a more compassionate and inclusive world.

We have also featured a range of free community classes, engaging craft sessions for children, and activities in after-school programs an displayed the crafts in the YMCA facility. These initiatives provided opportunities for community members of all ages to connect, create, and reflect on the power of peace and inclusion.

“The heart of Cape Breton lies in people like Newell, Paul, and Dodie—individuals who lead with compassion and inspire others to do the same,” said Sabrina Vatcher, CEO of YMCA of Cape Breton. “Peace Week is a reminder that each of us can contribute to a more caring and inclusive community.”