J
ohn McCarthy's business acumen
is rooted in four generations of
his family's vision and strong
commitment to their community. His
aptitude for growing a real estate firm while
also giving back was forged over 70 years
ago by his great-grandfather, John Jambor.
"As an immigrant to Canada, my great-
grandfather recognized the promise of
his adopted country and its people," says
John McCarthy. "He astutely invested in
property along Kingsway in Burnaby in
the 1950s, foreseeing the city's growth, and
following the exceptional care he and his
wife received during their cancer diagnoses,
became a devoted supporter of BC Cancer."
In addition to establishing an education
fund to fuel BC Cancer researchers, John
Jambor left a meaningful bequest to the BC
Cancer Foundation in his will—which his
grandson, Bill McCarthy (John
McCarthy's father), strategically
and significantly grew before it
was gifted in 2012.
"It's an honour to partner
with community leaders,
such as the McCarthy family,
in stewarding legacy gifts," says
Elissa Morrissette, vice president
of development, BC Cancer
Foundation.
"Not only are the deeply
personal contributions made
in estate plans vital in driving
the life-saving research of
tomorrow, they allow us to plan
boldly and invest in cutting-
edge research, technology and
innovative treatment that will
benefit generations of British
Columbians to come," she says.
Anchored by the motto, "Work Hard,
Live Well, Give Back," the McCarthy family's
dedication to bringing cancer care closer
to home for communities across B.C. is
continuing with the develop ment of the BC
Cancer – Burnaby McCarthy Centre, named
in honour of their generosity.
John McCarthy's personal and
professional trajectory has been shaped
by an unwavering commitment to
advancing cancer research and care in
B.C.—a cause he says will continue to
guide him going forward.
"We've entered a new era of
leadership—one that blends business
success with profound purpose. It's about
building on the legacy of those before us,
while charting a future where prosperity is
shared and progress is measured not just
in profits, but in lives transformed—and
ultimately, saved," he says.
Learn more about supporting
the future of cancer care in B.C. at
bccancerfoundation.com/legacy or
contact us at legacy@bccancer.bc.ca
or (778) 653-0420.
Legacy in action:
John McCarthy's
leadership in advancing
cancer care
John McCarthy, vice president of McCarthy Properties and immediate
past chair of the BC Cancer Foundation's board, is continuing a powerful
legacy of leadership and giving—supporting BC Cancer through both
personal philanthropy and a future gift in his and his wife Alaiza's estate plans
S P O N S O R E D R E P O R T
Created by Canada Wide Media in partnership with BC Cancer Foundation
For more information, visit: bccancerfoundation.com
or bccancerfoundation.com/legacy
Connect: @BCCancerFoundation | @bccancerfdn |
@bccancer-foundation | @BCCancerFoundation | @bccancerfdn
Bill (left) and John McCarthy (right)
