Haskayne MBA students win BounceBackYYC Hack with largest city-wide scavenger hunt

When describing Calgary, current Haskayne MBA students Kim Trischuk and Molly Beckham use the words resilient, loyal and welcoming. This sense of community is what motivated Trischuk and Beckham to participate in the BounceBackYYC Hack, a virtual multi-day hackathon, at the end of June.

The hackathon brought together innovative and creative Calgary-based post-secondary students, who were challenged to build impactful solutions to accelerate the restart, recovery and return of the Calgary economy. Trischuk and Beckham received top prize in the Hospitality and Tourism area for their idea of a city-wide scavenger hunt.

Both students moved to Calgary last year to begin their MBA program and after being welcomed with open arms and compassion from Calgarians, they felt eager to make an impact on the place they now call home.

Trischuk is co-founder of The Great YYC Staycation and was honoured to have the opportunity to help the local experience economy get back on its feet with the idea of a city-wide scavenger hunt. “The most exciting part of this event is getting the opportunity to rediscover and explore in our own backyard this summer,” says Trischuk.

Knowing that we are helping local businesses prosper and bringing back some added energy to the city is an added bonus.

“Events like the BounceBackYYC hackathon are the product of amazing and intelligent community members who also want to see their home revitalized,” says Beckham. The largest-ever city-wide staycation scavenger hunt will give participants the opportunity to explore like tourists and support local businesses, promoting hope and unity in the community during this challenging time.

I’m continually shocked at how loyal and resilient Calgarians are, and I’m excited to create an event that showcases that.

Trischuk and Beckham have partnered with local entrepreneurs Michelle and Graeme Edge to help get the YYCStayCay off the ground. The Edges are the creators of the Energy Disruptors conference series and long-time Calgary residents who have been instrumental in creating the impactful summer event. The team of four is excited to see the community enjoy the scavenger hunt and hopes the economy will also see the benefits.

The scavenger hunt will take place from July 24 to Aug. 23. Participants download the free Let’s Roam app to discover more than 100 local challenges all over the city. For completing challenges, participants have a chance to win $50,000 worth of prizes.

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at any point throughout the four weeks. Flash challenges will be posted on The Great YYC Staycation’s social media channels for more chances at prizes. Every challenge will help focus on the local businesses who have been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and help Calgarians rediscover the reasons they love YYC so much. Find more information here. 

 

UCalgary resources on COVID-19

For the most up-to-date information about the University of Calgary's response to the spread of COVID-19, visit the UCalgary COVID-19 Response website.