35th Annual Red Triangle Awards – Presented by Emera

Celebrating Leadership. Honouring Community.

For 35 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 35th 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.

đź“… Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:30pm

đź“Ť Location: Saint John Regional YMCA

🎟 Tickets: $125 per person | Group package (10 tickets) – $1,000

đź”—Purchase Tickets: https://yswnb.com/RedTriangleTickets2025

All proceeds from this event support the YMCA’s Strong Communities Campaign, ensuring that Y programs and services remain accessible to those in need.

Honouring Our 2025 Award Recipients

Red Triangle Award: Janet Thompson-Price

Recognizing long-standing volunteer service and community leadership, the Red Triangle Award is awarded to individuals whose dedication has made a lasting impact.

About Janet:
Janet Thompson-Price has been a passionate advocate for inclusion and belonging, both in her professional career and volunteer efforts. Her journey with the YMCA began in her teenage years, and she later served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater Saint John. As an immigration lawyer and co-founder of Atlantic Fusion Law Group, Janet has dedicated her career to supporting newcomers, offering pro bono legal services, co-founding a citizenship clinic, and mentoring business immigrants.

Beyond law, Janet’s leadership extends to community initiatives, including leading free legal seminars and creating an online support network for newcomer women. Her dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion has earned her recognition from the Greater Saint John Community Foundation, cementing her legacy as a champion for positive change.

🗣 “Janet’s unwavering commitment to supporting newcomers and fostering community is nothing short of remarkable.” – Samah El Maghlawy, General Manager of YMCA Newcomer Connections

Leader to Watch Award: Cameron Keyes

The Leader to Watch Award celebrates an emerging young leader who inspires others, leads by example, and creates meaningful change.

About Cameron:
At just 25, Cameron Keyes is an outstanding 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 committed to building friendships and fostering acceptance among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities.

Cameron’s dedication goes beyond his university role—he is an active volunteer with L’Arche Saint John and the Boys and Girls Club of Saint John, where he works closely with children with autism. His leadership extends into event organization, including a Family Fun Day for the Down Syndrome Society of Saint John.

🗣 “Cameron’s dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging in the community is inspiring.” – Jennifer Yeomans, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick

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.

Purchase Tickets HERE

đź“© For ticket group ticket purchases and inquiries, contact:
Kendra Gautreau | K.Gautreau@yswnb.ca

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 Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:30pm, for an evening of inspiration, recognition, and community spirit at the 35th Annual Red Triangle Award Gala!

đź”— Purchase Tickets Now

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.

2025 Red Triangle
Recipient

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.

2025 Leader to Watch
Recipient

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.

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 2025 Strong Communities Campaign is to raise $1.5 million, directly impacting more than 3,500 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.

PAST RECIPIENTS:

1990 James A MacMurray 2010 Roly MacIntyre
1991 Philip W. Oland Leah Richardson (Leader to Watch)
1992 Dr. G. Forbes Elliot 2011 Dale Knox
Elsie Wayne Taryn O’Neill (Leader to Watch)
1993 Ethel Flewelling 2012 Erminie Cohen
George Stears Stephany Peterson (Leader to Watch)
1995 Malcolm Somerville 2013 Sisters of Charity
1996 Dr. Mary Eileen Travis 2014 Daryl Steeves
1997 Harry Gaunce Danny Jardine (Leader to Watch)
1998 C. William (Bill) Stanley 2015 BCAPI
1999 Dr. Edward J. Doherty Sarah Mudge (Leader to Watch)
2000 Clifford G. Warner 2016 John K.F. Irving
2001 Keith M. Wilson Craig Bell Estabrooks (Leader to Watch)
William T. Gale 2017 Arthur Irving
2002 Lino Celeste John Fitzpatrick, Jr. (Leader to Watch)
Christopher Long (Leader to Watch) 2018 Bill McMackin Stephen McMackin

Harry Daley (Leader to Watch)
2004 Patrick Darrah

Dale Knox (Leader to Watch)

 2019  Dr. Shelley Rinehart

Jennifer Brown (Leader to Watch)
2005 Jane Barry & David Barry

Janet Scott (Leader to Watch)

 2020 The Friars Family

Katelyn Hunter (Leader to Watch)
2006 Richard Oland 2021 Partners Assisting Local Schools (PALS)
Derek Riedle (Leader to Watch) Dustin LeClerc (Leader to Watch)
2007 Brice Belyea, David Carlin, Blair MacDonald, Clark Sancton, Robert Vincent 2022 Juanita Black
Jeff Sparks (Leader to Watch) Nicole Vair (Leader to Watch)
2008 Cheryl Robertson 2023 Li Song
Sheikh Bahauddin (Leader to Watch) Emma Coakley (Leader to Watch)
2009 Saint John Y’s Men’s Club 2024 Julie Dingwell
Eric Savoie (Leader to Watch) Laura Oland (Leader to Watch)