Celebrating Leadership. Honouring Community.
Tickets On Sale Now
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is excited to announce the 36th Annual Red Triangle and Leader to Watch Awards!
Honouring Our 2026 Award Recipients
Recognizing long-standing volunteer service and community leadership, the Red Triangle Award is awarded to individuals whose dedication has made a lasting impact.
Red Triangle Award Recipient:
Jim Shaw
Jim’s steady leadership, generosity, and deep commitment to Saint John have shaped so many organizations and individuals over the past four decades. Throughout his distinguished career in the financial sector, he has been a trusted advisor and mentor to business leaders across our region. His thoughtful governance and financial stewardship, particularly through his work with Saint John Energy, reflect both vision and responsibility.
The Leader to Watch Award celebrates an emerging young leader who inspires others, leads by example, and creates meaningful change.
Leader to Watch Award Recipient:
Joelynn Annoh-Kwafo
For 36 years, the YMCA Red Triangle Award has been a symbol of dedication, service, and leadership in the Greater Saint John community. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference, embodying the YMCA’s values of inclusivity, belonging, caring, responsibility, and honesty.
Alongside the Red Triangle Award, the Leader to Watch Award celebrates an emerging young leader who is already making a meaningful impact and is poised to shape the future of our community.
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is proud to present the 36th Annual Red Triangle Award Gala, presented by Emera New Brunswick, an evening dedicated to honouring these inspiring individuals while raising funds to ensure YMCA programs remain accessible to all.
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:30pm
Location: Saint John Regional YMCA
Tickets: $125 per person | Group Package (10 tickets) – $1,000
All proceeds from this event support the YMCA’s Strong Communities Campaign, ensuring that Y programs and services remain accessible to those in need.
A Night to Celebrate & Give Back
This special evening not only honours outstanding leaders but also supports the YMCA Strong Communities Campaign, helping individuals and families access essential YMCA programs regardless of financial circumstances.
By attending, you are directly contributing to initiatives that support youth, newcomers, seniors, and families in our community.
Secure Your Spot Today!
Tickets are available for $125 each,
with a group package of 10 tickets for $1,000.
For ticket group ticket purchases and inquiries, contact Radhika Chapanera.
Presented by Emera New Brunswick
“Emera New Brunswick would like to congratulate this year’s award recipients. Your commitment and service to the community have made a tremendous difference to many people. We are 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.” — Ryan O’Hara, General Manager, Emera New Brunswick
Join us on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:30pm, for an evening of inspiration, recognition, and community spirit at the 36th Annual Red Triangle Award Gala!
Gold Sponsor
In business since 1960, FCC Construction is an open shop, multi-trade, specialty contractor serving Atlantic Canada. FCC’s three main operating divisions include: Construction Management, Electrical Contracting and Communication Cabling.
Red Triangle and Leader to Watch Awards
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick 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.
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 Southwestern New Brunswick;
- 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.
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. Through this campaign, thousands of people will have access to the Y through summer day and overnight camp, licensed child care, youth mental health support, recreational activities, programs for seniors to stay connected, and health and fitness memberships, which include swimming lessons.
The goal for the 2026 Strong Communities Campaign is to raise $1 million, directly impacting more than 4,900 individuals throughout Southwestern New Brunswick. Funds raised will support essential YMCA programs and services, ensuring access to licensed child care, after-school programs, outdoor education, health and wellness initiatives, newcomer services, and financial assistance for those in need.
This campaign is dedicated to breaking down barriers, so everyone—regardless of age, background, or financial situation—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the YMCA.