About Kristy McDonald

Kristy McDonald is a long-time resident of Ajax. She brings her unique blend of professional experience; education; volunteerism and an unwavering passion for her community to the table at every opportunity. 

For many years now, Kristy has been participating in and organizing community events at the grassroots and municipal levels. Stepping up to a formal role in her community is a natural progression for her and she looks forward to serving her community with the same level of passion that she brings to everything she commits to.

Currently, Kristy is the Executive Director for Show Kids You Care, a national organization which provides food for kids living in poverty in Canada. She has held this role for 12 years, and has worked for the organization for 25 years.

A former CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive), she has worked with charities and non-profits her entire career, beginning with founding her own consulting business while still in university.

Kristy helps out her community as much as she can:

· Pantry 82 in Pickering Village – assisted with startup (ongoing role in operation)

· Ajax Homelessness Task Force - striving to alleviate the suffering and peril of homeless people

· Ajax Skating Club – former President 

· Ajax Minor Hockey board -former Director of Trainers, Trainer Level 3 (Hockey Canada’s highest level of trainer certification)

· Makers Space at the McLean Centre - teaching young people to sew

Raised in Pickering, Kristy remembers her Grandfather driving to the top of Valley Farm Rd to the dump! And going rollerskating at Wheelies in South Ajax on Saturday nights.

When it came time to purchase a family home, she chose to raise her children in Ajax and purchased her first home in 2001 in Ward 1, just north of the plaza with Rexall and Food Basics. 

  Her children Rachel and James both attended Pickering High School, and have been actively involved in sports and activities here in Ajax including Figure Skating and Hockey. 

Kristy believes in the power of family, and lives in a multi-generational home. For 18 years there were four generations all living harmoniously together. She feels it is a privilege to be able to share a home and their daily lives together. 

An enthusiastic crafter, Kristy is part of a weekly knitting group meeting in various locations in Ajax and Pickering. She often donates her finished projects to local charities, and also completes custom work on commission.

Kristy stays active kayaking and biking. For many years she was part of a women’s cyclist group who meet weekly to ride the back roads of Durham Region. She has also competed in many 5km running races in Durham, often in support of local charities.

Kristy has never considered herself a political person; rather she has always thought of herself as a community builder, connecting people and organizations together. 

She has always been a leader: house captain in elementary school; completing a leadership development program at summer camp; leading several groups in university; early in her career serving on professional boards that united colleagues from several organizations; and as a parent participating in the School Community Council and roles in minor sports here in Ajax. 

In her roles and experiences, Kristy’s goal has always been to unite people in her community. A formal role in municipal government is a natural progression of her accumulated knowledge and skills serving her community and neighbours.

 Vote Kristy McDonald for Local Councillor Ward 1 on October 19-26