May 07, 2026
Robert McLean, Wealth Advisor at CC&L Private Capital, understands firsthand the profound challenge that blood cancer presents. "The prevalence of blood cancer is significant and has intersected with my life in many ways—through family, friends, and clients," he shares. "I've discovered that people I never suspected had any connection to the disease were either survivors in remission or had tragically lost children to blood cancer."
“Carrying that cause as an ambassador, whenever the topic arises, it is striking how frequently it resonates with individuals you never expected to have been affected. The impact and devastation of blood cancer is far more widespread than most realize.”
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
Robert volunteers with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC), helping to advance their fundraising capacities through strategic partnerships. The LLSC is a non-profit organization focused on funding research and supporting individuals affected by blood cancer. It also provides specialist support to assist patients and their families with financial and social challenges associated with the disease.
“Blood cancers – primarily leukemia and lymphoma— are the leading type among children, comprising 40% of all childhood cancers,”1 Robert says. “Childhood cancer is materially different to adult cancer, and therefore childhood leukemia and lymphoma need to be treated differently.”
Dare to Dream donation
Dare to Dream, an initiative of the LLS, seeks to transform the treatment and care of children with blood cancer. It focuses on cutting-edge pediatric research and directly funds therapies, treatments, and support resources for children and young adults with blood cancers.
“When Dare to Dream was launched, the LLSC approached me through my connection with the organization, asking if I could help steward an application to CC&L Foundation for a donation to the campaign,” Robert say. “Together, we worked on a proposal and were delighted when the committee agreed to a $40,000 contribution to the campaign over the next two years.
CC&L Foundation for our communities
The CC&L Foundation supports numerous not-for-profit organizations across Canada, focusing on organizations where employees and partners of CC&L Financial Group and its affiliates have a personal connection. The foundation aims to promote a better environment, improve education outcomes, advance science and medicine, build stronger communities, and encourage the arts.
“There was strong alignment with CC&L Foundation. A world free from cancer is something we all hope for, and work towards. It's been certainly a passion of mine throughout my career,” Robert adds, “and it's wonderful that they were able to step up so meaningfully in furtherance of that cause.”
“As an individual and an employee of the firm, it's incredible to know we are part of a group that’s prepared to have a meaningful impact on the causes that we as employees care about. It’s wonderful for us to be able to go out into the community and not just say that we care about the same things our clients and colleagues do but demonstrate those values through having a meaningful impact.”
Strategic philanthropy
The $40,000 donation was structured as a multi-year gift, extending the financial commitment, rather than forcing Dare to Dream to reapply again the following year. “We talk to our clients about strategic philanthropy and using foundations and donor-advised funds (DAFs) to realize impact goals over the long term. As a company, it’s important that we do the same,” Robert says.
At CC&L Private Capital, philanthropy is more than charitable giving—it’s a strategic approach to making a meaningful difference. Our advisory services are designed to help individuals, families, and organizations navigate the complexities of impactful philanthropy, from establishing donor-advised funds to guiding foundations in effective giving. By combining wealth management expertise with our commitment to social responsibility, we empower clients to create lasting legacies and maximize the impact of their charitable endeavors.