Improving the community is a passion for YWCA honouree
By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on March 31, 2022.
Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
YWCA Women of Distinction award winner Trina Tymko, speaks to the crowd about her community work and her reasons to continue to help and advocate for those in need.LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com
The 46th Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards recognized a local woman for her community leadership and community service Friday at the Sandman Signature Hotel.
The nomination was made by Lethbridge Family Services director Michelle Gallucci to recognize the work that Trina Tymko has done and the impact she has had on the community.
“Six years ago, a woman parked her vehicle by the Angel Tree receiving doors which I run and walked in and said ‘I heard you need some gifts for the kiddos because you’re short to them and I did a little bit of shopping’ and she preceded to help us unload a pile of games and toys and three bikes and stuffies and it was like Mary Poppins and her magical bag,” said Gallucci during the ceremony.
Gallucci said Trina walks the walk and makes the noise. She believes by listening and understanding and connecting with her community that it will be a better place. This is a responsibility she takes seriously.
“She continues to change my perspective on the endless possibilities of what a compassionate community can be, and models this behaviour every day” said Gallucci.
Gallucci said the words of Maya Angelou reminded her of Tymko when she said “my mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with compassion and passion and some humour and some style.”
When receiving her award, Tymko thanked the YWCA and Gallucci for the nomination by saying that she makes her want to be a better human by working alongside her at the Angel Tree.
“I’m humbled beyond belief by your kind words and your nomination as well as blessed to have you in my tribe,” said Tymko about Galucci.
Tymko spoke about the definition of advocate as both a noun and a verb. She said it means one who defends or maintains a cause or proposal. To publicly support or suggest an idea, development or a way of doing something.
“I originally thought that my journey to where I am today began shortly after Jordan was born but in reality I’ve always been somewhat of an advocate, it just became more of a mission in my life when I became a parent,” said Tymko.
She said we all have the potential to be an advocate, but she has been told that she takes this to a whole new level and she agrees.
“Our community supported our businesses for over 29 years which allowed our family to thrive through our struggles. We feel that it is the right thing to do to share our blessings,” said Tymko.
She said that at first her family made quiet donations but last year they decided as a family to change that.
“We decided that any donations we make to support causes that are near and dear to our hearts like Woods Homes and counselling services at Lethbridge Family Services, we will shine a light on why we made the donation,” said Tymko.
She said that spreading awareness is part of being an advocate and she is not afraid to share with her circles where there is a need.
“I’m proud to say that I have influenced as many people as I have to give to such important organizations and causes. I like being the voice for people in need, if one thing has become abundantly clear to me the last several years is that we cannot depend on our government to help those with the most need. It is up to us to listen to where the need is, step up and give what we can,” said Tymko.
During an interview with the herald at the event, Tymko said it is second nature for her to help, to volunteer, to talk to people, to tell people when there is a need.
“I’m just doing the work that I wish everyone felt it is the work that they should be doing. I believe that if everyone did a little bit, it would be so much easier for so many people,” said Tymko.
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