John MacDonald (middle) receives his YMCA Fellowship Honour at a ceremony in Ottawa last week from Governor General of Canada David Johnston (left). On the right is MacDonald’s wife Stephanie. (Photo: YMCA of East Ontario, submitted)
A man who has dedicated many years to building and expanding the reach of the YMCA in Belleville received a big honour last week.
John MacDonald was named to the YMCA Fellowship of Honour by Governor General of Canada David Johnston at a ceremony in Ottawa last Thursday.
MacDonald also claimed an Officer award, which acknowledges local or regional leadership contributions.
One of MacDonald’s biggest accomplishments was amalgamating the Belleville and Peterborough YMCA branches in an attempt to save Belleville’s organization.
He then went on to be unanimously elected as the first Board Chair of the YMCA of Central East Ontario, which covers Belleville, Peterborough and Quinte West.
MacDonald also sat on the YMCA National Board of Canada during his career.
MacDonald is now part of a group that includes 120 inductees into the Fellowship of Honour.
