Local Volunteer Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal Recognizing Decades of Service
The YMCA of Cape Breton is proud to recognize Laurie Murchison as the recipient of a King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour awarded to outstanding individuals who have made a significant difference in their communities.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was introduced in early 2024 to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty on May 6, 2023. With only 30,000 recipients across Canada, the medal is a rare and prestigious honour. To ensure broad recognition, prominent Canadian partners were invited to nominate candidates from their communities or organizations for this national honour. YMCA Canada was amongst the selected and was allocated 57 medals. YMCAs across Canada were each provided the opportunity to receive one medal to recognize an individual from their community.
Laurie Murchison was chosen as YMCA of Cape Breton’s recipient for his unwavering commitment to volunteerism and positive impact over decades.
For more than 50 years, Laurie has been a driving force behind numerous community initiatives, including youth development, sports leadership, community fundraising, and advocacy for local arts and culture. Laurie has made remarkable contributions as a referee and mentor with Speed Skating Canada, serving as Chief Referee at the Canada Winter Games and mentoring countless officials in the sport. His influence extended to Sport Nova Scotia, where he led efforts to enhance sport accessibility across the province. He also serves as an auctioneer at Cape Breton University Athletics supporting their annual fundraiser for varsity teams. Additionally, Laurie’s fundraising initiatives for Hospice Palliative Care Cape Breton have provided vital support for healthcare services.
Beyond that, Laurie has also been involved with the Sydney Riverview Y Service Club for more than 50 years, as well a community volunteer with the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, The Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association and Bairncroft Incorporated supporting community initiatives and activities. As an educator and a school Administrator, Laurie spent a very satisfying teaching career both in local schools as well as in the Yukon Territory, ending with a term at the Canadian Coast Guard College.
“Laurie’s impact on Cape Breton is immeasurable,” said Sabrina Vatcher, CEO of the YMCA of Cape Breton. “For over five decades, his passion, leadership, and generosity have touched so many lives in our community and beyond. Also to note are Laurie’s contributions to our YMCA mission, both as a Sydney Riverview Y Service Club volunteer and as a member of our YMCA family. It is an honour to recognize him with this medal.”
The medal was presented at a ceremony held at the Sydney Riverview Y Service Club meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Coxheath. It brought together fellow Sydney Riverview Y Service Club volunteers, MP Jaime Battist, YMCA of Cape Breton staff, and Laurie’s family to celebrate his outstanding contributions.
Laurie’s dedication to service has created lasting change in Cape Breton. As a mentor, advocate, and volunteer, he has set an example for future generations, reinforcing the power of community involvement and selfless giving.
