Pedaling For Kids

By Tom Mark

Pedaling For Kids

Sep 14, 2018 | 8:17 AM

Thirty-four cyclists and a 6 person support crew from RCMP and supporting enforcement agencies, from across the RCMP’s South East District, left this morning on the annual Cops for Kids Ride

The largest team in Cops for Kids history will make their way south along highway 97 for the first of 10 days to raise awareness and essential funds for children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis.

The 2018 Ride, presented by the Kelowna Foundation for Hope and Social Innovation, will take the team over 1,000 km across the south eastern corner of British Columbia over 10 days stopping in 26 communities

There was so much interest for the ride this year that the foundation felt it had to place a cap on the number of spots available on this year’s team.

“We rely on the generosity of local hotels, restaurants, service clubs and businesses to host the team in each community, so we realize the pressure a large team puts on them. Their support is appreciated more than ever,” commends Ride Captain, retired Staff Sergeant Major Julio Krenz. “To have this much interest from riders wanting to join the team to make a difference in their community speaks to devotion from the RCMP members and the partnering law enforcement agencies in our area so we are thrilled.”

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Each rider provides their own bike, trains on their own time, volunteers at community events, and fund raise a minimum of $2,000 in order to participate.

“When I see the devotion that these members make to supporting local kids, it makes me want to help out where I can,” says Kelowna Foundation President Al Hildebrandt. “These riders work overtime shifts keeping our communities safe, have families of their own at home, and they still give another 10 days to this ride, so we are going to do our part too and help raise the funds needed by local families.”

Over the event’s 17 years, riders have raised more than four and a half million dollars.

Funds from the event support requests for medical equipment, transportation to Children’s Hospital’s, specialized therapies, as well as learning & mobility aids.

Daily updates will appear on the team blog during the ride.

You follow the team along their journey or to make a donation please visit the website at www.copsforkids.org or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

by Tom Mark