Updated Monday, December 2, 2013

William PJ McCarthy, a long-time member of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, made the single largest charitable bequest to a sole beneficiary in British Columbia’s history.

As creator and executor of the Jambor-McCarthy Legacy fund, McCarthy donated $21.4 million to the BC Cancer Foundation in 2012. McCarthy and his grandfather, John Jambor, started the Legacy fund many years ago.

In accordance with the Legacy objectives, the fund is designated for cancer research and education.

'My grandfather and I believe you should work hard, live well and give back,' said McCarthy. 'He’s the greatest man I’ll ever know. He taught by example.'

Jambor moved to Canada as a young man with little more than a strong work ethic and faith.

Over the years Jambor, and later with grandson McCarthy, parlayed that philosophy into a hugely successful property development and real estate consulting business and family life.

Jambor loved this country for what it had given him, which, in turn, inspired his philanthropy.

The gift was made to ensure the world-renowned research and breakthroughs achieved by the BC Cancer Agency not only continue, but are expanded. This includes ongoing support for education not only for researchers, but the public too.

One of the reasons McCarthy agreed to go public about the gift was so it would inspire others to support the Agency’s groundbreaking research or other charities close to them.

'I’m proud to be a REALTOR®,' said McCarthy. 'Our industry is uniquely qualified and able to benefit our communities, the economy and the well-being of society because we’re so involved at every level and help people realize their dreams and aspirations.

'Accordingly, we should lead by example with regards to our support for our communities and the country that has allowed us to have a career.'

McCarthy is the owner and broker of WPJ McCarthy and Company Ltd.