Two prominent community members in the City of Quinte West were honoured on Monday afternoon.
At Tomasso’s restaurant, Mark Phillips and Chandy Davis were given YMCA Peace Medals.
Phillips is the owner of Mystical Distributing and Davis owns Electro Cables.
CEO of YMCA Central East Ontario Dave Allen says they break down the word peace by letter.
“P is about Participation, encouraging people to get involved in community building activities. E is Empathy, listening and understanding diverse perspectives to create a sense of belonging for all. A for Advocacy. Making the case for positive change in the community. C is for Community, building and strengthening community, connections, and capacity. Finally E is for Empowerment. Inspiring others to foster peace, to gain skills and tools to be successful.”
Mark Phillips says he is humbled by the award.
“I use the YMCA in Quinte West every day. I see how it changes lives and gives back to the community. Every time I go there I find something different, something new that the YMCA is doing to help people in Quinte West. Wheelchair basketball, is the most recent example.”
Phillips is also part of the Centre for Life team, which is helping to fundraise for the new YMCA in west end Belleville.
Chandy Davis says she loves supporting people in the area.
“We live in one of the best places in the world. The way we support our community is how everyone everywhere should strive to help. “
“In the workplace today, I see first hand how people are struggling, in particular young people. It breaks my heart. What I try to do and what our community needs to do even more is help in small ways. Our Electro Cables team strives to help one another and the community.”
Both Davis and Phillips were presented with honours from MP Ryan Williams, MPP Todd Smith, and from Quinte West Council.
On Tuesday in Belleville, Kris and Cassandra Bonn, along with Tom and Golda Lafferty will be given YMCA Peace Medals.
YMCA VP Funds Development Connie Reid (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
