Why I Give: Jonathon and Karly Leipsic on Building a Community Legacy.

A Community Built Together 

JWest is built on the belief that lasting impact is created together. Every gift, conversation, and act of participation brings the vision of a shared campus for Jewish life in Vancouver closer to reality. 

Our campaign is gaining momentum, and a big part of that is the people behind it. Jonathon and Karly Leipsic are two of those supporters. 

A Lifelong Connection to Community 

“When we think about the JCC, we think about the campus as a whole, and how well it has served us to this point,” he says. “The JCC has always been an incredible place that brings people together, but the opportunity to create a renewed campus where schools, programs, sports, and gathering spaces can exist side by side is really exciting.”

The Leipsics have long been connected to Jewish life in Vancouver. Their children attended community schools, including King David High School, and both have spent many years participating in programs and activities at the JCC. Many of his family’s most meaningful moments—from Chanukah celebrations and the Yom Ha'atzmaut events—took place within these shared spaces.

“The community has shaped our family’s life in very meaningful ways,” he says. “Our kids grew up here through school, activities, and celebrations. Supporting JWest helps ensure future generations have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and build their own connections to this community.”

Investing in the Future 

For Jonathon and Karly, supporting JWest is a natural extension of their long-standing involvement in the community. Over the past two decades, Jonathon has held leadership roles in the community, with Karly also serving as an active volunteer and fundraising event chair for community organizations, but they see this moment as something bigger than any one individual organization.

“This is the largest project our community has ever undertaken,” he says. “It requires participation from everyone in our community. The future of the project depends on everyone taking part, whether through giving, volunteering, or showing their support. This is a shared collective responsibility to build and strengthen our community. Klal yisroel areivim zeh lah zeh.

What excites the Leipsics the most about JWest’s vision is the opportunity to build a renewed campus that reflects how the community lives today, bringing education, culture, gathering spaces, and over 20 community-focused not-for-profit organizations together in one place.

“At its core, this project is about people,” Jonathon says. “It’s about creating a space where the next generation can gather, learn, and build their own connection to community. And it is our honour and our privilege to contribute to this future.”

A Message to the Community

For those considering supporting the campaign, Jonathon’s message is simple.

“We need you,” he says. “Our community is so fortunate to know what overwhelming generosity and support looks like from the very pillars of our community, but we need participation and involvement from everyone. When people come together around something like this, it becomes a significant source of pride for everyone involved.”

Now is the time to take part, with $18 million to raise in this community campaign. Every gift helps bring JWest closer to reality and strengthens the future of our Jewish community. Together, we can create a vibrant campus that will serve families, students, seniors, and neighbours for generations to come.

To learn more about ways to give and the project, please contact info@jwestnow.com or call 604-808-2440. Every gift matters. Every voice counts. This is our community — l’dor v’dor - from generation to generation. 

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.