Thanks to everyone who submitted nominations for youth, adults and groups who are doing amazing peace work in our community! The following nominees will be honoured for their charitable work at the YMCA Community Breakfast for Peace on November 23.

YOUTH

Aiden LeAiden Lee (1)e
Aiden is a young artist who has been inspired to use art as a form of communication. This 14-year-old abstract artist on the Autism Spectrum is sharing his gift, inspiring others with art, building awareness, kindness, respect and acceptance. To date, he has volunteered in seven schools and has taught over 500 students.

 


Mikail Malik
Mikail Malik

Mikail was born in Karachi, Pakistan and lived most of his life there. After moving to Canada in 2010, he began studying at Appleby College and discovered a passion for philanthropy and building relationships that remove barriers. His “Eyes on the Road” campaign has provided three children in Pakistan the opportunity to receive an education.

 
Victoria RooneyVictoria Rooney
Victoria was born and raised in South Africa and has been living in Canada for the past seven years. An avid animal lover and advocate, she enjoys spending her time volunteering with animal organizations. She is also involved in clubs and programs such as Student Council and Together as Girls Leaders. Tori hopes to one day become a veterinarian to continue her passion of helping the helpless.

 

ADULT

Marcus Logan 3Marcus Logan
Marcus is a well-known “bridge builder” in the Halton Region. Marcus spent time on the Temagami First Nation where he developed his connection to the land and water. He is learning how to work in allyship with Indigenous elders and their communities to build bridges of action towards truth and reconciliation.

 

 

Sabaina MalikSabaina Malik
Sabaina began her career at age 18, quickly rising from sales to management and beyond. She launched M Industries, a business venture devoted to helping others succeed and uses everything she has learned throughout her career to connect projects to causes within the community. Her philosophy is to say yes to positive change, innovate intelligently, and move forward together.

 

Chantelle MishealChantelle Misheal
Chantelle has always been a passionate advocate for equality and environmental rights. She is currently working with the Halton Environmental Network, sits on the Board of Directors for the Halton Food Council, and is actively involved in a number of food related initiatives. She sees opportunity through community development, and will always be active in creating a resilient and sustainable Halton.

 

Vanessa Rago (1)Vanessa Rago
Vanessa has lost several close friends to drug addiction and mental illness. In 2015 she organized the First Annual Ananas Comosus Explosis fundraiser event, and to date has raised over $7500 to support local drug addiction and mental health initiatives, while working with partners in the community to raise awareness. She aims to be a leader in a world that is together driven to create and love.

 

Janet WeberJanet Weber
Janet has been a dedicated and passionate Front Line Crisis Volunteer with SAVIS of Halton on the 24/7 Support Line for over 11 years in Halton Region. Her mission is to change the lives of people affected by either assault or violence by empowering survivors and fostering positive change.

 

GROUP

100 Teens Who Care100 Teens Who Care Oakville
This is a group of young men and women who want to make a difference. In a very short time, they have grown to a group of over 75 teens with a desire to give back to the community. Their goal is to inspire the next generation of philanthropists to learn about and contribute to local charitable organizations who support initiatives for children and youth.

 

GLOW MentorsThe GLOW Mentors
This group of influential women work in the Girls Linking Our Worlds (GLOW) program that runs through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton. They work with young girls between the ages of 12 to 14, helping them to discover their positive qualities and their ability and power to address discrimination by embracing diversity and challenging the stereotypes found in society.

 

Junior Optimist ClubThe Junior Optimist Club of Oakville
This dedicated group of high school student volunteers plan, develop, implement and support their own and many other community projects in their community – from dealing with poverty-related issues to fun events for children. A strong force across Oakville, they are changing the world, starting here.

 

 

Frances and Len PaceFrances and Len Pace, AMPed for Life
Frances and Len are part of AMPed for Life, passionate community-minded friends who have come together to bolster support for local charitable organizations. Since 2008, AMPed for Life has raised awareness and over $2 million for children’s cancer and family support charities in honour of the spirit of Alex Murray Pace (AMP), who showed us selflessness in his own adversity.

 

All 2017 nominees are invited to attend our YMCA Community Breakfast for Peace on November 23 where they will be honoured for their commitment to peace. During the ceremony, one youth, adult and group will receive a 2017 YMCA Peace Medal and $500 for their charitable work.