Red Triangle Award Recipients Announced
Saint John, NB— The YMCA of Greater Saint John has announced the details of the 2023 Red Triangle Award Gala, including this year’s recipients of the Red Triangle and Leader to Watch Awards.
The Annual Red Triangle Award Gala, presented by Emera New Brunswick, will be held on Thursday, May 4, at Saint John Regional YMCA. The Red Triangle Award recognizes long and meritorious service, outstanding contributions and achievement in the community, while the Leader to Watch Award honours an individual who is a role model for other young adults in our community.
“Emera New Brunswick would like to congratulate this year’s award recipients,” said Emera New Brunswick General Manager Ryan O’Hara. “Your commitment and service to the Greater Saint John 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.”
The Red Triangle volunteer selection committee received numerous nominations this year and had a difficult choice but came to a unanimous decision in the end. This year’s Red Triangle Award recipient is Li Song, and the Leader to Watch Award is received by Emma Coakley.
Li Song has been living, studying, and working in Saint John for 20 years. She has managed newcomer programs, coordinated multicultural events, and volunteered in various positions in the region. Li strongly believes in diversity, inclusion, equality, and education and thinks these are the keys to resolving our generational issues.
Emma Coakley is a dedicated student, athlete and volunteer, and very active in her community. Emma was born missing her right hand. She has overcome obstacles and exudes a can-do attitude. Her drive, determination and competitive spirit help her thrive in everything she does.
The recipients will receive their awards at the 33rd Red Triangle Award Gala on Thursday, May 4. The Funds raised at this event will support the Strong Communities Campaign, ensuring that YMCA programs are accessible to everyone.
“We are thrilled to be honouring such dedicated and community-focused individuals,” said Shilo Boucher, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Saint John. “For 33 years, The Red Triangle Award has been about celebrating people in the Greater Saint John area who make a difference in the lives of others; role models that lead by example. Li Song and Emma Coakley are making a difference in our community every day.”
Tickets for the Red Triangle Award Gala are $125 each and are on sale now at the Saint John Regional Y and will be available online at swnb.ymca.ca
–30-
About Li Song
Li won a UNB Student Leadership Award in 2008. In 2010 she was named a CIDA Global Youth Ambassador by the Province of NB. She was also recognized as the UNB U35 Young Alumni in 2016, and in the same year, she was recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer by the City of Saint John. In 2017 she was chosen to be the YMCA Peace Medal recipient during Peace Week.
She was also awarded as one of the Top 25 Immigrants in the Maritimes in 2018 and was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal 2022.
Li has inspired many people and coached them to grow and contribute to our region, as a successful REALTOR®, vice president of the Imperial Theatre board of directors and a member of several other regional boards and councils, she has just established a bursary at UNB for first-year Asian females studying health sciences.
Li is an inspiring leader, change maker, committed volunteer, role model, and peace maker.
About Emma Coakley
As a member of the War Amps CHAMP Program, Emma is a CHAMP Ambassador enthusiastic about spreading important messages in the community about amputation, prosthetics, playing safe, remembrance, and the War Amps. She gave her first presentation at age 5 to her kindergarten class.
Outside of War Amps, Emma is an active volunteer and athlete and has received a number of accolades including the Spirit of Sport Award from Sport NB, Soccer NB’s Youth Referee of the Year, Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of Saint John for her leadership and volunteer work with War Amps, as well as the New Brunswick Youth Human Rights Award from the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, to name a few.
About the YMCA of Greater Saint John
The YMCA of Greater Saint John is a trusted charity that delivers lasting personal and social change. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community. We operate and serve 19 locations throughout Greater Saint John. Together, we serve more than 22,000 people. Our focus on providing a sense of belonging and accessibility means we support people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life. Through the Y’s Strong Communities Fund, we are accessible to all.
About Emera New Brunswick
Emera New Brunswick, owner of the Brunswick Pipeline, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera Inc. (EMA-TSX), a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Brunswick Pipeline delivers natural gas, supplied by Repsol Energy Canada, from Repsol’s LNG terminal in Saint John, New Brunswick, to markets in Canada and the US Northeast. Visit Emera New Brunswick’s website at www.emeranewbrunswick.com.
