Hannah Searls is in her third year of engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (photo submitted by Hannah Searls)
HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. — A homegrown engineering student from the peace region is raising funds to help out Ronald McDonald House.
Just 21 years old, Hannah Searls said she was inspired by her upbringing in Hudson’s Hope to pursue a career in civil engineering.
She is currently in her third year at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in addition to working summers with consulting firm McElhanney as an engineering student.
“I spent my entire childhood [in Hudson’s Hope,]” Searls told Energeticcity.ca. “The [Peace River Regional District] in general, and Hudson’s Hope is what inspired me to become an engineer.”
Keeping with her small-town roots and a sense of community, Searls said a childhood playing soccer motivated her to participate in McElanney’s annual charity tournament, with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House of B.C. and Yukon.
The Ronald McDonald House is a charity that provides accommodations to families away from home when a child is receiving medical care.
Now in its 17th year, the two-day sports extravaganza features tournaments in hockey, soccer and slo-pitch and will take place the last weekend of May.
McElhanney has been the charter sponsor for the past six years.
To participate, teams must contribute a minimum of $1,000 and then fundraise independently in order to maximize their contribution.
According to a Facebook post from McElhanney, last year’s tournament raised $121,000 to provide 484 nights to 40 families.
Thus far, Searls has raised $485, exceeding her $450 donation goal.
“I played Timbits soccer as a kid,” explained Searls. “Soccer is a huge thing in Hudson’s Hope in the summer. It is what brings a lot of tourists to town. The soccer association is run by a bunch of amazing parents.”
Searls has had opportunities to coach U-9 squads and to take on leadership positions with Hudson’s Hope Soccer, and says her love for the beautiful game is “always something” she continues to grow in wherever she can.
“Sports in general, the community that comes from them, and the confidence in young kids is really important,” said Searls.
“Everybody loves to give back to their community, and that’s one of the things I thought about when applying to work at McElhanney is their purpose: our clients care for our communities and empower our people. They love to give back to their community.”
While at the tournament beginning on Friday, May 29th in Kelowna, Searls will don the colours of McElhanney Team White.
The McElhanney Cares Charity Tournament in support of Ronald McDonald House B.C. and Yukon goes Friday, May 29th and Saturday, May 30th.
To contribute to Searl’s fundraising efforts, visit her drive website.
