By Vernon Matters Staff

Cycling journey to help kids comes to an end

Sep 15, 2019 | 5:47 PM

A team of 27 riders has completed a ten-day, 1,000 kilometre journey through 29 communities to help raise money for children in medical, physical, or traumatic crisis.

The annual Cops for Kids Ride featuring RCMP officers and staff from South Eastern B.C., ended in Kelowna Sunday.

“As riders mounted their bikes on September 6, in Kelowna, many for the first time, the team departed as individual riders, however have now returned home as a unified team,” said a news release from the charitable foundation.

“As the weather wasn’t as favorable as the riders would have hoped for this year, each day was a new one. As they rode into each community they focused on being there for one another, working together, and physically and mentally pushing one another to limits some never thought possible,” said Courtney King, Event Organizer.

During the journey, the riders were met by families who shared the stories of their children.

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Ride organizers say a lot of the children reached out their hands, in thanks, giving the riders motivation to keep forging ahead and raising money.

Ride captain Julio Krenz has been with the Ride for 19 years and is not a stranger to the sacrifices the families make, but also those of the riders.

“Only the returning riders know what the difficult days are like, but also know that those days are so much better when you have someone beside you working towards a common goal. As the Ride approaches its 20th year we as riders grow stronger and more passionate about this cause each year. We want the families and communities to know that we are here for them, we won’t stop riding and will continue to give 100% of ourselves to make our communities a better place.”

Funds raised from the event support children who require transportation to medical treatment outside their home community, medical supplies, specialized therapies, learning tools & mobility aids.

Each request is reviewed on an individual basis, in order to support items not covered by government programs or extended health care benefits.

Team members were welcomed home by a crowd of supporters, friends, sponsors, dignitaries and families

“The riders now return home to their family and regular policing duties, many travelling back across the terrain they recently cycled back to their communities across the RCMP’s South East District. Although their signature event has wrapped up for the year, their need for funding lasts throughout the year,” added King.

King says the participants will continue to host their annual vacation raffle, golf tournament, Jail & Bail events and others to ensure that they are able to always be here for families who need them the most.

To learn more about Cops for Kids, the work they do throughout the year, or to make a donation please visit the website at www.copsforkids.org

by Vernon Matters Staff

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