35^th Annual YMCA Red Triangle Award Recipients Announced – Presented by Emera

Saint John, NB – The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick has announced the recipients of the prestigious Red Triangle Award and Leader to Watch Award, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
The Red Triangle Award, which honors long-standing volunteer service, will be presented to Janet Thompson-Price, while the Leader to Watch Award, recognizing an emerging leader, will be awarded to Cameron Keyes.

“These awards celebrate individuals who embody the YMCA’s values of inclusivity, belonging, caring responsibility and honesty,” said Shilo Boucher, President and CEO of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. “Both Janet and Cameron are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and making a real difference in people’s lives. We are incredibly proud to recognize them today and at our event in April.”

The awards will be formally presented at the 35th Annual Red Triangle Awards Gala on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, an event that raises funds for the YMCA’s Strong Communities Campaign, ensuring that programs and services remain accessible to all.

Leader to Watch: Cameron Keyes
At just 25, Cameron Keyes is an exceptional young leader known for his passion for inclusion and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. As president of Best Buddies at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton, he leads a team of volunteers promoting friendship and acceptance among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities.

Cameron is also deeply involved in the community, volunteering with L’Arche Saint John and working at the Boys and Girls Club of Saint John, where he supports children with autism. His ability to connect with people of all ages, his empathy, and his commitment to building meaningful relationships make him a true role model.
His leadership extends beyond day-to-day volunteering—he has organized community events like a successful Family Fun Day for the Down Syndrome Society of Saint John, further demonstrating his commitment to inclusion.

“Cameron’s dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging in the community is inspiring,” said Jennifer Yeomans, Chief Development Officer of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. “His leadership and advocacy work are truly making a difference.”

Red Triangle Award: Janet Thompson-Price
A lifelong advocate for inclusion and belonging, Janet Thompson-Price has made a lasting impact in the Saint John region through both her professional career and volunteer service.

Janet’s involvement with the YMCA began in her teenage years, and she later served on the Board of Directors when it was the YMCA of Greater Saint John. As an immigration lawyer and co-founder of Atlantic Fusion Law Group, she has worked tirelessly to support immigrant communities, offering pro bono legal services, co-founding a citizenship clinic, and securing permits for victims of intimate partner violence.
Her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends beyond the legal field. Janet has mentored business immigrants, led free legal seminars, and created an online support group for newcomer women, fostering a welcoming environment for individuals settling in the region. Her commitment to advocacy has earned her recognition from the Greater Saint John Community Foundation, solidifying her reputation as a champion for inclusivity.

“Janet’s unwavering dedication to supporting newcomers and fostering community is nothing short of remarkable,” said Samah El Maghlawy, General Manager of YMCA Newcomer Connections. “She is a true advocate, mentor, and leader whose work will leave a lasting legacy.”

The Annual Red Triangle Award Gala, Presented by Emera New Brunswick

The 35th Annual Red Triangle Award Gala will take place on Wednesday, April 23,2025, at the Saint John Regional Y, celebrating the achievements of these outstanding individuals while raising funds for the YMCA’s Strong Communities Campaign.

Tickets for the event are $125 each and can be purchased online at this link. For those interested in group purchases, a package of 10 tickets is available for $1,000. To purchase, please contact Kendra Gautreau at K.Gautreau@yswnb.ca.

“Emera New Brunswick would like to congratulate this year’s award recipients,” said Ryan O’Hara, Emera New Brunswick General Manager. “Your commitment and service to the community has made a tremendous difference to many people. Emera New Brunswick is proud to be part of this community and a part of the Red Triangle Awards. The YMCA has been leading our community for many years, and through this event, they also help recognize the leadership of others.”

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About the YMCA
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a trusted charity that ignites the potential in people, fostering lasting personal and social change. We are committed to providing opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services, including health, fitness and recreation, licensed child care, camps, outdoor education, employment, education, newcomer services, leadership development, and volunteer opportunities. With over 19 locations and 88,000 connections across Southwestern New Brunswick, the Y is a leading charity that helps everyone shine.

About Cameron Keyes
At just 25, Cameron is an outstanding young leader known for his passion for inclusion and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. As president of Best Buddies at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton, he leads a team of volunteers to promote inclusion, acceptance, and friendship among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. He’s also an active member of L’Arche Saint John and works at the Boys and Girls Club of Saint John, where he supports children with autism. Cameron’s ability to connect with people of all ages, his empathy, and his commitment to building meaningful relationships make him a remarkable role model. His volunteer efforts, including organizing a successful Family Fun Day for the Down Syndrome Society of Saint John, demonstrate his dedication to fostering community and inclusion. Cameron’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration, always working with others to create positive change. His exceptional ability to inspire and empower those around him makes him a true leader and a worthy recipient for this prestigious award.

About Janet Thompson-Price
Janet’s involvement with the YMCA began in her teenage years and has remained a central part of her life, including serving on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater Saint John (when it was still this name). As an immigration lawyer and co-founder of Atlantic Fusion Law Group, Janet has passionately supported immigrant communities, offering pro bono legal services, co-founding a citizenship clinic, and securing permits for victims of intimate partner violence. She has also mentored business immigrants, led free legal seminars, and created a Facebook support group for newcomer women. Janet’s advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion has earned her recognition from the Greater Saint John Community Foundation. Through her unwavering commitment to helping immigrants and fostering a sense of belonging, Janet has made a lasting impact on both the immigrant community and the broader Saint John region, making her a deserving recipient for the Red Triangle Award.

Media Contact:
Erin Lawlor
Manager of Marketing and Communications, YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
e.lawlor@saintjohny.ca
506-608-6200