Published: June 11th, 2025
The McElhanney Cares Tournament returned to Kelowna this May, bringing together 16 hockey teams and 8 soccer teams for two spirited days of sports, fundraising, and community impact. Thanks to the generosity of participants, donors, and sponsors, this year’s tournament raised an incredible $120,000 for Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon.
With teamwork, good-natured rivalry, and a passion for making a difference, the funds raised through the McElhanney Cares Charity Tournament will go towards 480 nights of accommodation for families staying at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon while their children receive medical treatment far from home.
In total, over 360 participants took part in 24 hockey games and 12 soccer matches over two action-packed days at MNP Place in Kelowna. Each team contributed a minimum $1,000 donation, with many going above and beyond through additional fundraising in the months leading up to the event.
Since its inception 16 years ago, the McElhanney Cares Charity Tournament has raised over $800,000 in support of Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, directly helping families with children undergoing life-saving treatments. McElhanney has proudly hosted the event for the past four years, during which time the tournament has contributed an incredible $400,000 to this total – reflecting our deep commitment to giving back to families in need.
Adding a meaningful touch to the weekend, Richard Pass, CEO of Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, joined attendees to personally thank the participating teams for their donations and continued support. “This event has raised critical funds for families in need over the last 16 years and stands as one of the most impactful third-party fundraising events for Ronald McDonald House BC in the province,” said Richard Pass. “We are immensely grateful to McElhanney and everyone who takes part in making this event such a success.”
Brad Elenko, Division Manager, Planning at McElhanney and the tournament manager, added: “We’re proud to carry on this meaningful tradition of giving back through our annual McElhanney Cares tournament. It’s a reflection of McElhanney’s core value of caring for the communities where we live and work. Thank you to everyone who played, donated, volunteered, or cheered us on. We can’t wait to do it again next year.”
Kudos to all the teams who hit the ice and the pitch for this year’s tournament. Congratulations to Kerr Wood Leidel (KWL) and WSP for skating away with the hockey Iconix Cup, and to KWL again for scoring big in soccer and taking home the Emco trophy too!
McElhanney may not have taken the championship cups this time… but don’t get too comfortable — we’re coming for them next year!
About Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon
When the unthinkable happens and a family is uprooted for their child’s critical medical treatment, there are many barriers they must overcome to stay together. Hotel stays are expensive, siblings need to be cared for, and staying in the hospital long-term is unsustainable. That’s where Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon comes in, providing accommodation, comfort, compassion, and a sense of community to these families in need:
- RMH BC is a “home away from home” for families who must travel to Vancouver for their child’s major medical treatment.
- RMH BC can accommodate 73 families each night and serves approximately 2,000 families each year.
- RMH BC is steps away from BC Children’s Hospital, which keeps families and their critically ill children close to treatment.
- In 2024, 336 regular volunteers contributed 5,924 hours to help serve our families!
Learn more about RMH BC here: Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon