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www.insideHALTO N.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, N ovem ber 2 5 , 2 0 1 6 114 Oakville residents honoured with Peace Medallions by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Hope. It lives in every one of us, says YMCA of Oakville Board of Directors Chair Michael Shaen. "Every time someone stands up for the rights of others, helps someone in need, or takes action to inspire positive social change, there' s hope for a better tomorrow," Shaen told those attending the YMCA of Oakville Community Breakfast for Peace Wednesday (Nov 23). Hope, he continued, is powerful. It can unite people and effect change. "Now, more than ever, hope is vital," Shaen said. Hundreds of people crowded into the Oakville Convention Centre in celebration of YMCA Peace Week from Nov 19-26. Hope is just one of the themes explored during the week, during which the community is invited to think about how each person can bring more peace into their daily life. Shaen said hope for peace plays an integral role in the daily work of the YMCA of Oakville. "Our programs are inclusive of all and designed to help our children and youths understand what they have in common with each other so they can develop a shared sense of community, he said. "By putting children and youths in environments that are different from them, Victoria Winslow Kate Rehm | Riziero Vertolli/Metroland they're challenged to resolve conflicts and look at the situation from another person^ perspective and this paves the way for a more peaceful community" The annual breakfast, one of many activities hosted by the local YMCA to promote YMCA Peace Week, featured a keynote address by Manny Scott, one of the original Freedom Writers portrayed in the 2007 movie about a young teacher (played by Hilary Swank) who inspires her class of at-risk students to apply themselves and be all they can be. Breakfast-goers also heard from Stephen Paquette, a traditional knowledge keeper, who imparted his thoughts on the responsibilities each resident has as an individual. see Award on p.18 WINTER PROMO 15% OFF LABOUR S IN C E 1988 ANTIQUE HARDWOOD FLOORING 290 Speers Road, Oakville www.antiquehardwoodflooring.ca FOLLOW US TO SEE THE LATEST TRENDS