Laurier Macdonald to Host Peace Day Block Party
In recognition of the International Day of Peace, on September 21, Laurier Macdonald High School (7355 Viau) in St. Leonard will be hosting a full day of activities and events focusing on the theme of Play for Peace.
Nearly 1,000 students and staff will be promoting peace in its community with a friendly marathon soccer tournament, screenings of the film The Day After Peace, inflatable games, food, DJs, and more. The festivities will culminate in a very special Peace Day Color Run meant to celebrate diversity and highlight the unity that “play” engenders among the world’s youth.
In 2001, the non-profit organization Peace One Day drove the initiative that led to the unanimous adoption by the United Nations member states of an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on September 21. It is indented to be a day when people in conflict areas might find some respite from their harsh realities. It also provides international aid organizations with an opportunity to deliver life-saving supplies to areas which otherwise might be too dangerous.
“We are delighted that Laurier Macdonald will be bringing their community together as one on Peace Day in support of Peace One Day,” said Peace One Day founder Jeremy Gilley. “On Peace Day 21 September, we want to unite, all over the world like never before, taking specific action to reduce violence. The United Nations, NGOs and other sectors of society are involved and committed to this process, but we are asking individuals around the world to take the lead by gathering in large numbers on Peace Day. The commitment of schools such as Laurier Macdonald will help to institutionalize Peace Day around the world.”
For more information, please contact Michael Penning at: (514) 374-6000 or mpenning@emsb.qc.ca