The YMCA of Central East Ontario celebrated Peace Week last week.
One of the pillar events annually is celebrating community champions.
The Peace Awards recognize outstanding efforts to create positive change, promote peace, and foster understanding among diverse communities.
On Monday, December 8 at Dinkel’s in Belleville, they honoured Nancy & Jamie Troke, Barbara Jo & Bob Clute, and Fran & Ed Lehtinen.
On Tuesday, December 9 at Tomasso’s in Trenton, the two couples celebrated were Lorraine & Tom O’Quinn and Cynthya & Ken Schmidt.
YMCA Fundraising Coordinator Charity Brown says the couples hold numerous roles within committees and boards, given large amounts of sweat equity and financial support to the Y in the Quinte region.
“It’s people like this that keep these programs open, that remove the financial barriers that some may have in order to access all the wonderful programs and classes and opportunities that the YMCA offers.”
Details on the recipients from the YMCA can be seen below can be seen below.
–Nancy and Jamie Troke have been pillars of generosity in our community for decades. From fundraising and volunteering to supporting youth, seniors, and vulnerable families, their commitment has never wavered. Whether it is helping to build a library in a school, providing gifts to the homeless, or chairing the YMCA Strong Kids campaign, you will always find their names connected to causes that matter. Their compassion and generosity have touched countless lives. What makes their contributions even more remarkable is that they never seek recognition—their only wish is to make a difference. We have the privilege of acknowledging Nancy and Jamie for their quiet, consistent, and extraordinary impact on our community
–Barbara Jo and Bob Clute have always embodied the true spirit of community. Through their hands-on efforts and unwavering commitment, they have worked tirelessly to uplift and inspire those around them, driven by a deep desire to improve the quality of life for everyone.Bob’s leadership as the driving force behind the Rotary Loves Kids Golf Tournament has created a lasting legacy.To this day, that event continues to raise thousands of dollars to help children in need—a testament to his vision and dedication Bob and Barbara-Jo have invested$100,000 in the new Centre for Life.Since moving to the city in 1993, they have shown incredible leadership and generosity with Habitat for Humanity,the Wally Dever Arena project, the city’s waterfront trail, the Belleville General Hospital, the Quinte Arts Council and many other organizations. The YMCA’s boardroom will be named in their honour, recognizing a legacy that dates back to Barbara Jo’s father and Bob’s brother spending hours at YMCA’s in their youths.
-Over fifty years ago, Ed and Fran Lehtinen chose Belleville as the place to raise their family—and what a choice it was. They quickly embraced this community, not only as their home but as a place where they could make a difference. Through the years, they have given generously of their time and resources to many charitable organizations. Ed’s leadership as Co-Chair for the Centre for Life and his commitment to building a new YMCA speaks to his vision for a stronger, healthier community. Fran, with her quiet strength, has been the steady support behind the scenes, ensuring that every effort succeeds. Together, they have shown us what true community spirit looks like. Please join me in recognizing Ed and Fran for their remarkable contributions and the lasting impact they’ve made to our communitty
–Tom and Lorraine O’Quinn have made Quinte their home in 1996 when Tom’s military service brought them here. Grateful for the opportunities this community has given them, the O’Quinns have spent nearly two decades giving back in remarkable ways through organizations like Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario, Three Oaks Shelter, Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, Wounded Warriors Canada, Diabetes Canada, and many more. They’ve organized major fundraisers granting wishes for children, trekked across the Andes, Iceland, and the Sahara to raise funds for shelters, and created unique initiatives like the Down East Kitchen Parties—raising over $670,000 for Trenton Memorial Hospital. Their creativity even brought us the beloved ‘Chantz’ ice cream bike, spreading joy while supporting local charities. From scholarships for military families to mental wellness events, diabetes awareness campaigns, and sponsorships for youth sports, their generosity knows no bounds. Tom and Lorraine embody the true spirit of community, compassion, and peace. Please join us in honouring Tom and Lorraine O’Quinn—champions of kindness and pillars of the Quinte region.
–Ken and Cynthya Schmidt, two remarkable leaders whose generosity and dedication have shaped the Quinte region for over two decades. Cynthya has served on numerous boards, including the YMCA of Central Eastern Ontario, Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, and The Children’s Foundation, where she continues to give back. She is also a founding member of the Heartfelt Women’s group for TMHF. Ken has chaired The Children’s Foundation board, co-chaired the YMCA Strong Kids campaign, and actively supports Habitat for Humanity and 100 Men Who Care, who have contributed to funding Quinte Sailability, building the community splash pad and accessible playground, and sponsoring the National Air Force Museum theatre. Ken and Cynthya’s impact has been widely recognized: the Guardian Angel Award in 2017, an Honorary Lifetime Membership from the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce in 2023, the Bay of Quinte Community Champion medal in 2024, and the prestigious RCAF Centennial ‘100 Coins for 100 Canadians’ award. Ken and Cynthya embody the YMCA values of participation, empathy, advocacy, community, and empowerment. It is our privilege to present them with the YMCA Peace Medal for 2025
