Prince George, B.C. – The YMCA of Northern BC is joining Y centres around the world in promoting peace in communities during YMCA Peace Week, running today through November 26th.

The Manager of Philanthropy, Marketing and Camps, Stephanie Mikalishen, says “YMCA Peace Week is a nationally-celebrated week, and YMCAs all across the country are a part of our YMCA alliance and it’s actually celebrated all across the globe.  It’s all about communities coming together to build community and act for peace.”

“We believe that peace-building is core to our commitment to strengthening the foundation of healthy communities as a part of our year-round program, and as a part of our strategic plan and our mission with the community.  We think that when we act for peace we build community by promoting a sense of belonging, by fostering empathy, embracing pluralism and addressing the social determinants of health.  It makes the place where we live a place that we all want to live.”

Mikalishen says “during the entire week we’re encouraging the community to Peace if Forward.  What we want folks to do is join with us and create a movement of peace right here in Prince George by doing an action, a random act of kindness.”

“So, if we get some snow maybe you’re going to shovel your neighbour’s driveway, maybe you pay for a stranger’s coffee in the drive-thru, make a donation to a charity or volunteer for a cause, but perform some kind of act of kindness, some form of peace and no other thought than just wanting to make our community a better place.”

Asked if the world could use a little more peace Mikalishen says “I think that peace work is always ongoing.  I think that the world we live in there is always somewhere, someplace that isn’t as peaceful as it could be.  Our work is never finished when we come to having respect for diversity.”

The public is invited to take part in events at the Y in Prince George during Peace Week.  They include a celebration of National Child Day today from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm which features free access to the Y’s rec room, crafts, face painting, rock climbing and camp fire cookies.

Next Saturday, Nov. 26th the Y has partnered with yoga instructors from around town for a Yoga for Peace event, running from 11 am to 1 pm.  Again that is a freee event which is open to everyone.