Why I Give: Candace and Alan Kwinter on What Jewish Community Really Means

Candace Kwinter was President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver (JFGV) when JWest's capital campaign launched in 2022. Her husband, Alan Kwinter, spent years thinking carefully about where their family's philanthropy would leave the deepest mark. Together, they arrived at the same conclusion — that directly supporting their Jewish community and the physical spaces where they gather would have the greatest long-term impact. Today, we are honoured to share their story.
 

A Provincial Vision

Candace has always felt the JWest project extends well beyond any single neighbourhood or membership list.

She says, "The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver represents every single Jewish person in the province of British Columbia, and the JWest project is open to every single person in the province. Hopefully, even the people from further away will come in for events and activities when they're here."

It's a perspective that shaped how Candace and Alan thought about their own gift. They see the Jewish Community Centre not only as a gathering place for Vancouver’s Jewish community, but as a vital public-facing institution whose reach extends across the entire province. As part of JFGV's mission to strengthen the quality of Jewish life for everyone in B.C., being part of that gathering place matters deeply. Their support comes from a sense of responsibility to the community, and the conviction is simple: strong Jewish institutions need to exist, and they need to be built by people who believe in them.

Candace and Alan Kwinter

Memory, Identity, and What We Pass On

Being a part of the Jewish community and planning for the future is as much about one’s history as anything else. Like many members of our community, Candace and Alan both have family members who were Holocaust survivors. It’s this shared history that unites them in a deep sense of community purpose, and it’s never far from how they think about building Jewish community today.

JWest will be home to the expanded Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, and for the Kwinters, that was paramount. "Every individual in B.C. should walk through that centre — whether Jewish or non-Jewish, everybody needs to understand the history of the Jewish people and the atrocities of the Holocaust,” Candace explains.

For Alan, the gift is also an act of honour. "We lost most of our family in the Holocaust," he says. "Out of respect for them, and in honour of their memories, we're committed to doing whatever we can to help grow and strengthen the Jewish identity that was almost wiped out. We see this project as a place where Jewish people can come together to connect, be educated, and reinforce their Jewish identity,  and that's a really important thing for us."

When Candace thinks about what she wants the next generation to take from JWest, her answer is simple and immediate: "I want them to be proud. Proud to be Jewish."
 

Investing in What Endures

For Alan and Candace, philanthropy has always meant contributing to institutions that will outlast any single gift. "It's about contributing to institutions that foster resilience, inclusivity, and shared identity," Alan says. "JWest embodies those values, and we want to help sustain its impact for years to come."

"We chose to make our donation to JWest because of the vital role it will play in bringing people together and strengthening the broader Jewish community," Alan continues. "The Jewish Community Centre will be more than just a physical space — it will be a hub for cultural connection, education, and support services that will benefit individuals and families across the entire community. Programs like youth activities, athletics, senior services, and cultural events create a sense of belonging and continuity — the foundations of community."
 

Be Part of the Final Stretch

Candace and Alan were among the first donors when the campaign launched. Watching it build to where it stands today — with just over $14 million left to be fundraised — has been its own kind of milestone.

"It's so wonderful to see the generosity that has come from our Jewish community - at all different levels," Candace says. "There have been extraordinary gifts with beautiful stories behind them, and there are people participating in every way they can. That kind of deep commitment to our collective future gives me a lot of pride.”

As Alan puts it: "We look forward to this last stretch, and we hope the Jewish community across British Columbia will join in, in whatever way they can, to help bring this to the finish line.”

No matter where you call home, you can be part of this final push. We welcome contributions from anyone who believes in what this project will make possible. To learn more about ways to give, contact info@jwestnow.com or call 604-808-2440.

The JWest project would not be possible without the generous funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Diamond Foundation, and the Ronald S. Roadburg and Al Roadburg Foundations, as well as the steadfast support of the Jewish community and its allies, and the valuable contributions of the Vancouver residents who use the current Jewish Community Centre.
 

Do these stories resonate with you? Click here if you have a story you’d like to share for consideration for a future newsletter.