Celebrate those who help build healthy communities

Red Triangle Recipient

Juanita Black

Juanita Black, the founding editor of Around the Block, is well known for her voice as a poverty advocate, working together with others to bring about change at the local, provincial and national levels. Her experience as a young single mother living in poverty has been a big inspiration to give back. She has dedicated her life to being a volunteer leader in her neighbourhood, a mentor in her community and a champion at the provincial and federal level to promote fairness and justice and a better quality of life for all. She illustrates the power of the voice of lived experience and the power of one working with others to bring about change!

Juanita’s powerful message in building a more caring community is captured in a new documentary film, Perseverance: The Juanita Black Story which charts more than 30 years she’s spent as a volunteer, poverty advocate, mentor, philanthropist and neighbourhood leader.

Leader to Watch Recipient

Nicole Vair

The Leader to Watch Award recipient demonstrates leadership and enthusiasm in their life, in learning and in volunteering in our community. Nicole Vair has demonstrated her leadership skills through her work experiences and volunteer activities. Anyone that has had the opportunity to be in Nicole’s inner circle feels welcome, accepted, and appreciated. She is a role model that leads by example. Nicole has served on the International Committee, recruiting volunteers and organizing Peace Week activities. She was instrumental in the creation of the YMCA Youth Council in 2017 and is still on the committee, providing support for initiatives and encouraging youth to be involved with the Y and their community.

Nicole is an active volunteer in the community and has partnered with groups such as Project Roar, Operation Red Nose, The East magazine, InterAction School of the Performing Arts and the Saint John Theatre Company. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of Fusion Saint John and recently joined the YMCA Strategic Planning Task Force this year, helping to identify the priorities that will shape the future of the Y.

Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors!

All proceeds from the Red Triangle Awards will help fund our Strong Communities Campaign.

YMCA Strong Communities Campaign is an annual fundraising campaign focused on raising much needed resources to provide access to proven YMCA programs that give kids, youth, adults, seniors and families the opportunities they need to reach their potential and to live healthier, happier lives.

In 2021, your YMCA raised $449,000 to support our community and ensure everyone has access to the Y. 

At the Y we are building healthy communities through the power of belonging. We hope you will join us in supporting a healthier and stronger Greater Saint John.

Purchase Tickets

What is the Red Triangle?

The Red Triangle Gala is a time to reflect on those who have shown outstanding contributions to our community.

Red Triangle and Leader to Watch Awards

The YMCA of Greater Saint John values the significant contributions that individuals have made in our society.  Since 1990, the Y has been recognizing individuals that have made a difference in the community.

The Red Triangle Award is presented in recognition of long and meritorious volunteer service, outstanding contributions and achievement within the Y or in the community. The recipient of this award has been an active volunteer and demonstrated a commitment to the community throughout their lifetime. They have made a difference to Canadian society.

The Leader to Watch Award is presented to an individual, 35 years or younger, who is a role model for youth in our community. This person demonstrates skills, enthusiasm and leadership in their work, in educational settings and as a volunteer in the community.

Many of the past recipients continue to serve the community on a daily basis.  Their commitment and dedication continues to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and it is very important that these extraordinary people be recognized.

Applications are now closed for 2022.

Red Triangle Award Criteria

The Red Triangle Award is presented in recognition of long and meritorious volunteer service, outstanding contributions and achievement within the Y and in the community.

The recipient of this award has:

  • Contributed to furthering the mission and values  of the Y of Greater Saint John;
  • Enhanced the work of the Y and/or other charitable organizations through philanthropy;
  • Demonstrated  social responsibility;
  • Been an active volunteer and demonstrated a commitment to the community;
  • Made a difference to Canadian society.

Leader to Watch Award Criteria

This individual (35 years of age or less) provides skilled and enthusiastic leadership in an educational, family, career or community setting.

This individual is:

  • Determined to lead, demonstrating their leadership skills at work and as a volunteer;
  • Willing to act and support the constructive actions of others;
  • A role model, encouraging and inspiring to other young people;
  • Participating in shaping the future of the community.

PAST RECIPIENTS:

1990 James A MacMurray 2008 Cheryl Robertson
1991 Philip W. Oland Sheikh Bahauddin (Leader to Watch)
1992 Dr. G. Forbes Elliot 2009 Saint John Y’s Men’s Club
Elsie Wayne Eric Savoie (Leader to Watch)
1993 Ethel Flewelling 2010 Roly MacIntyre
George Stears Leah Richardson (Leader to Watch)
1995 Malcolm Somerville 2011 Dale Knox
1996 Dr. Mary Eileen Travis Taryn O’Neill (Leader to Watch)
1997 Harry Gaunce 2012 Erminie Cohen
1998 C. William (Bill) Stanley Stephany Peterson (Leader to Watch)
1999 Dr. Edward J. Doherty 2013 Sisters of Charity
2000 Clifford G. Warner 2014 Daryl Steeves
2001 Keith M. Wilson Danny Jardine (Leader to Watch)
William T. Gale 2015 BCAPI
2002 Lino Celeste Sarah Mudge (Leader to Watch)
Christopher Long (Leader to Watch) 2016 John K.F. Irving
2004 Patrick Darrah Craig Bell Estabrooks (Leader to Watch)
Dale Knox (Leader to Watch) 2017 Arthur Irving

John Fitzpatrick, Jr. (Leader to Watch)
2005 Jane Barry & David Barry

Janet Scott (Leader to Watch)

 2018 Bill McMackin Stephen McMackin

Harry Daley (Leader to Watch)
2006 Richard Oland

Derek Riedle (Leader to Watch)

 2019 Dr. Shelley Rinehart

Jennifer Brown (Leader to Watch)
2007 Brice Belyea, David Carlin, Blair MacDonald, Clark Sancton, Robert Vincent 2020 The Friars Family
Jeff Sparks (Leader to Watch) Katelyn Hunter (Leader to Watch)
2021 PALS
Dustin Leclerc (Leader to Watch)