When it comes to finding people who make a difference in our community, you don’t have to look further than Deb Tymstra. Her dedication to community causes has made tangible changes in Burlington. This is our opportunity to gather some insight into this “time philanthropist.”
Currently, Deb is Past President of Performing Arts Burlington. The journey to this position began in 2000 when she was approached by Mike Wallace to “help out with bookkeeping.”
With very little persuasion, Deb parlayed this helping hand into full blown involvement. Her role became treasurer, and she held that position until 2006. “I couldn’t help it,” she smiles. “Participating in an organization whose goal is to increase awareness and availability of artistic and cultural experiences is most intriguing."
Having an impact on Burlington’s arts community resonates with Deb. She is married to a talented musician, Gerry Tymstra, who has brought music back to her life and heart, especially during a time of personal health challenges. Music was therapeutic in her healing. “Providing greater access to and raising awareness about the talent that resides right here in our home city motivates me and touches me,” she says emphatically.
Deb was also drawn to the people involved with PAB - visionaries who saw a need for a Performing Arts Centre as well as the need to raise the awareness and profile of the talented groups and individuals in music, dance and theatre. “I wanted to join them to make a difference not only for the artists, but for the community at large. I believe in community and the celebration of the aspects of our life that create a sense of belonging. Acceptance and balance make us a healthier, happier community,” she says.
Deb knew there were big shoes to fill when she succeeded Walter Mulkewich, PAB’s first President in 2007. With a growing passion for PAB’s potential, she hoped to use her 34 years of business experience, the last 20 owning her own bookkeeping practice, in developing a balanced approach between the business mind and the creative mind to lead PAB in its future direction.
She attributes her affinity to the performing arts to her mother. Deb was raised in a household with two younger sisters and a younger brother where music was always important. Her mother, born in Scotland, is a trained triple threat: singer, dancer, and actress. Growing up in Toronto, Deb and her siblings were encouraged, from a young age to embrace the arts, attending Toronto Symphony children’s concerts, plays, ballets and Scottish country dancing.
Deb also has a long list of other community involvements. Although there is not enough space to list them all, here are a few:
- Burlington Chamber of Commerce President in 1997
- On the first board of directors of the Burlington Community Development Corporation, now the BEDC
- Host and producer of Neighbour to Neighbour on Cogeco for three years, and now host of Cogeco’s FYI and reporter for the Source.
- MC for various charitable functions
- President of Breast Cancer Support Services in 2002
Deb’s sense of community drives her volunteer engine. Her definition of community may be as close as family and as large as a neighbourhood or city. Size has no bearing. It’s simply about making a difference with others who share a passion, in a city where volunteering makes an impact.
You know what makes Burlington great? Simply put, it’s the people. Deb Tymstra is no exception. In fact, she is exceptional.
