
Jessica and Thomas Spraggs speak about the campaign to build the new Coquitlam YMCA as if it were their sole commitment in the community they’ve both spent much of their lives calling home. In reality however, it is only one of many ways that they are active and give back locally. In the Tri-Cities area Jessica and Tom raise their four children, operate Spraggs Law, volunteer, and give personally and through their firm to a number of local causes that are important to them. Individually, Jessica is on the board of Talitha Koum Society, a recovery home for women trying to overcome addiction, and teaches business law at Trinity Western; Tom serves on council at Riverside Community Church, and serves as a Bencher for Westminster County, which helps him fulfill a passion for access to justice.
Jessica and Tom were first introduced to the What Really Matters Capital Campaign through the Tong Louie Family YMCA centre in Surrey. Tom had been given a tour of the facility and, as he put it, “was absolutely convinced that the Y does things at a level worthy of supporting”. The couple then learned more about the project underway to build a YMCA in Coquitlam and felt that it was a wonderful opportunity to continue giving back.
Together, their passion for seeking out and supporting initiatives they care about, as well as their pride in their community, is evident. “When you start to realize how much common good there is to pursue in the community, we find it makes you feel very joyful, not only as an individual and as a family, but also as an organization doing business in the community,” says Tom. “These initiatives help everyone that we work with in the firm, and businesses we work with, to feel good about getting up in the morning and picking up the phone with a smile on your face, and seeing how you can be of service”. “Yes,” adds Jessica, “having a sense of purpose is very motivating.”
Like the Y, the Spraggs are community builders. When speaking to Jessica and Tom, it’s clear that the values of supporting families, building people up, and having a positive impact matter greatly to them. As a result, the couple is proactive and intentional about the vast work they do to improve their community. The YMCA feels very grateful to have such generous and thoughtful supporters of the What Really Matters Campaign in Coquitlam. Thanks Jessica and Tom!