A $5-million donation from a local philanthropist family has given the future BC Cancer centre at Burnaby Hospital a new name: the Burnaby McCarthy Centre.
Bill and John McCarthy, a well-known father-son duo in real estate and philanthropic communities, are donating in honour of a family legacy.
"The McCarthys have been incredible advocates for bringing a BC Cancer centre to Burnaby," said president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation, Sarah Roth, in a press release.
"We’re grateful for their generosity and leadership as we bring this long-time vision of BC Cancer – Burnaby to life. I hope the community will join in support of the Foundation's campaign to transform cancer care for the region."
The contribution has brought the BC Cancer Foundation past the halfway mark for its $10-million fundraising campaign goal for the Burnaby cancer centre.
John, who is also the chair of the BC Cancer Foundation's board of directors, said he hopes the donation inspires others "to support the vital work of the BC Cancer Foundation, ensuring that the residents of Burnaby and beyond have access to world-class cancer care and treatment."
"This donation is not just an investment in the healthcare infrastructure of our region, but also a tribute to my great-grandfather's and my parent's belief in the power of community," said John.
His family's support of cancer research goes back to Bill's grandfather John Jambor.
Jambor's wife Joan died from cancer in 1970; Jambor was also a cancer survivor.
Jambor left a bequest to the BC Cancer Foundation that grew to $21.4 million under the watch of Bill.
"Burnaby is our home and we’re proud to give back – always," said Bill.
The family has funded more than $30 million in cancer research, education and healthcare in B.C. to date.
For more information on donating to cancer care in Burnaby, see BC Cancer's website.
