Two people are being recognized by the YMCA of Greater Saint John for their community contributions.
Li Song will receive the Red Triangle Award, and the Leader to Watch Award will go to Emma Coakley.
“We are thrilled to be honouring such dedicated and community-focused individuals,” president and CEO Shilo Boucher said in a news release on Monday.
The Red Triangle Award recognizes long and meritorious service, outstanding contributions and achievement in the community.
The Leader to Watch Award honours an individual who is a role model for other young adults in our community
“Li Song and Emma Coakley are making a difference in our community every day,” said Boucher.
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.
According to the news release, Song strongly believes in diversity, inclusion, equality, and education and thinks these are the keys to resolving our generational issues.
Song has received several honours over the years for her work, including the YMCA Peace Medal in 2017.
She was also awarded one of the Top 25 Immigrants in the Maritimes in 2018 and was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Coakley is a dedicated student, athlete and volunteer, and very active in her community.
Born without her right hand, Coakley spreads messages about amputation, prosthetics and playing safe as a member of the War Amps CHAMP program.
Like Song, Coakley has also received several accolades, including a Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of Saint John for her leadership and volunteer work with War Amps, and the New Brunswick Youth Human Rights Award from the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.
The two recipients will be honoured during the 33rd Red Triangle Awards Gala on May 4.
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