2. Guest Speaker Tracy Van Kalsbeek, Stratford Perth Community Foundation -Sarah introduced Tracy, who she has known for years. -Tracy is a Rotarian -Tracy showed photos and shared stories of her family and shared a neat story about how her great grandparents were supposed to be on the Titanic -Tracy is originally from Woodstock -Tracy described what “success” means to her—and that it is a very personal thing (what drives one person is dramatically different to what drives the next) -Tracy considers herself to be a “serial volunteer”. She has volunteered at a diverse number of clubs, teams, councils, and events -Tracy worked at several not-for-profit organizations and then made the move to the private sector and worked for Manulife. –She joined their sponsorship and philanthropy team and worked with other philanthropic partners like Habitat for Humanity and the Food Bank -She became the Exec Director of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation back in January of 2015 -The Community Foundation manages over $3.6M in donations and annuities. They issue grants to local causes and initiatives. They help mobilize and guide donors to specific community initiatives -Embarked on a “Smart and Caring Initiative” –Inspired by a call to action by former Governor General David Johnston. This was a chance to “connect heads and hearts”. Received a trillium grant for this. –Rolled out unrestricted funds in 2 communities per year. Funds raised in each community stay in that community, now and forever. -The goals of the Smart and Caring Fund are to: Engage, Connect, and (make it) Forever-legacy, and anyone can donate -Tracy discussed Random Act of Kindness Day, which she initiated in Kitchener and is now province wide. The Community Foundation heads this up. She discussed the positive mental health benefits of doing a random act of kindness -“If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we might just set the world in the right direction” –Martin Kornfield -This year, the Random Act of Kindness Day is Nov. 3 -January 20th, 2018 is the 9th annual Mayor’s Gala -Hosted “Vital Conversations” this year. Collaborated with many community partners. The topic was “sense of belonging” -Tracy has always volunteered locally because she believes that ‘charity starts at home’ but is interested in exploring international opportunities as well -“Your Community Makes You and You Make Your Community” -Tracy encourages us to consider how we might be able to get more involved in our community -Discussed a Leadership program at Ivy – a not for profit course -Tracy discussed her educational background as well as the value of experience and networking -Tracy feels that life boils down to two things – Relationships and Perceptions, and how they are managed -Sarah shared examples of how the Community Foundation contributed to causes that she has worked with – like the Guelph-Goderich rail trail, and a sunscreen project for the Health Unit. -Laurie asked for tips re: a Rotaract media presence. Tracy suggested that we have someone specifically dedicate their time to it. –Social media –Getting out to like-minded people | 
