YMCA of Niagara’s peace medals go to two worthy Fort Erie recipients

When Fort Erie Councillor George McDermott got up to introduce the Fort Erie Volunteer Fire Fighters Association as a recipient of the YMCA of Niagara annual peace medal, local volunteer Betty Talbot beamed with pride as she saw a worthy local group receive recognition.

After all, Fire Chief Mark Schmitt’s fundraising efforts for Coldest Night of the Year in February supported the Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie where Talbot is a board member, so she knows firsthand the impact firefighters have beyond their roles as first responders.

However, when McDermott stayed up to present a second peace medal recipient, Talbot seemed to become a little uncertain.

That second medal, it turned out, was destined for Talbot, the longtime volunteer known for her involvement with organizations like the Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie, Community Living Fort Erie and the Ridgeway Lioness club.

Organizers of the peace medal event–which also included the YMCA launching its Stronger Together campaign and announcing its new strategic plan–had to play a slight trick on Talbot in order to get the humble volunteer to attend by telling her it was to support Schmitt and his team.

But the recognition for Talbot was equally well earned, McDermott said.

“There are 33,000 people in Fort Erie who love her,” he said, telling the audience of Talbot’s “profound commitment to individuals with disabilities and marginalized groups.”

McDermott added that she’s “an advocate for people who need it the most.”

The YMCA of Niagara’s manager of philanthropy Jonna Wolfenberg said the medals are “a reminder that a more peaceful world can be built one community at a time.”

In a twist, it turned out Schmitt was unable to attend the event on behalf of the firefighters. And in a further twist, his replacement, Roger Haist, had to leave early to respond to a call.

But that just goes to show the dedication Fort Erie’s firefighters display each and every day.

“Their selflessness, dedication and commitment to the community is second to none,” McDermott said, adding it’s not always through words, but often through actions.

Talbot said her family and parents taught her the importance of giving back at an early age.

She recalled one Christmas as a child when she and her seven siblings asked for a new record player for Christmas. Their father told them how a neighbouring family was going through some tough times and that perhaps, if the kids did something for that family, then they might find something special under the tree on Christmas day.

So they fixed up and painted a bike and found a few other toys they could give to ensure the family had a Christmas of their own. And sure enough, seeing that, Santa came through.

And Talbot never stopped giving back.

“There’s just so much need everywhere,” she said, adding the sense of community in the town of Fort Erie makes volunteering a reward itself.

A third peace medal went to Jeda Anderson, a high school student in St. Catharines.

The Stronger Together campaign seeks to raise $210,000, which will be used to support children, youth and families in Niagara, including Fort Erie, by reducing barriers to programs. More information is available at ymcaofniagara.org.

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