2017

Michael Novak and Michael Weil part of 12 outstanding Canadians appointed to the YMCA Fellowship of Honour

Canada’s Governor General David Johnston recognizes Michael Novak and Michael Weil at the 2017 Investiture Ceremony

(Montréal, Québec) – Michael Novak and Michael Weil have dedicated years of their lives to expanding the reach of the YMCA in our community.Their commitment and contributions were officially celebrated on June 8, 2017 when they received the YMCA Fellowship of Honour medal from its Patron, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, in a ceremony held at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Canada.

“We are very proud of and grateful to Michael Novak and Michael Weil”, says the YMCAs of Quebec  CEO, Stéphane Vaillancourt. “Their leadership and years of dedication and passion have helped to build a stronger, healthier YMCA that, in turn, is helping to build a healthier Montreal. Michael and Michael’s personal investment of time, energy and talent in serving others has created a legacy that will be felt for generations.”

The YMCA Fellowship of Honour has recognized the distinguished and exceptional service of volunteers and staff since its inception in 1978. The induction of YMCA leaders takes place every three to four years, under the patronage of the Governor General of Canada. More than 120 exemplary Canadians have been honoured in one of two categories: A Companion award recognizes outstanding national and international leadership, and an Officer award acknowledges local or regional leadership contributions. Michael Novak joins the Fellowship as an Officer, while Michael Weil joins as a Companion.

Collectively, these committed Canadians have provided distinguished service to the YMCA in communities across Canada. Said Peter Dinsdale, YMCA Canada’s President and CEO, “We owe these individuals a debt of gratitude for the personal investment they have made to help ensure a sense of belonging—not only for those in their local communities but also for their fellow citizens across the country and around the world. They represent the best of what it means to be Canadian.”

About the YMCA Fellowship of Honour

The appointments to the YMCA Fellowship of Honour are governed by a selection process established by the YMCA Fellowship of Honour Constitution and directed by an Advisory Council composed of a Canadian YMCA leader as Chair, at least three Canadians who have served the YMCA with distinction, the Chair of the YMCA Board and the national President and Chief Executive Officer. The Council considers nominations received from throughout the Canadian YMCA Federation and recommends appointments to the National Board for approval. Each recipient receives a Fellowship of Honour Medal designed by award-winning artist Dora de Pedery-Hunt, a framed citation and commemorative lapel pin.

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For more information, contact:                

Karine Chateauneuf
Advisor, Marketing Communications
YMCAs of Quebec
marque@ymcaquebec.org

About the YMCAs of Quebec

The YMCAs of Québec is a charitable organization that builds stronger communities by providing opportunities for everyone to lead fulfilling, active, healthy and engaged lives. Its 10 YMCA centres, International Language School, Residence, Camp YMCA Kanawana and its 34 service sites across the province are visited each year by more than 115,000 people. The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montréal in November 1851. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 48 YMCA associations. For more information, visit  ymcaquebec.org or our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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