And they鈥檙e off.
Friday morning, 25 riders and six support staff from the RCMP and supporting enforcement agencies in south-eastern BC embarked on the 2017 Cops for Kids Ride from 麻豆精选.
The 16th annual ride will take the team across the RCMP鈥檚 south-east district to raise awareness and essential funds for children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis.
During their 10-day fundraising journey, the Cops for Kids riders will cycle nearly 1,000 kilometres through mountainous terrain across the Okanagan, Kootenay and Thompson regions that encompasses the RCMP鈥檚 South East District and pass through 18 communities.
Along their route, they鈥檒l be greeted by local dignitaries and their 鈥淟ittle Ambassadors鈥� who receive funding from the annual event.
Ride captain Julio Krenz said it鈥檚 those interactions with families that remind the team members why they鈥檙e out there trying to make a difference for local children.
鈥淭hese riders suffer through their own pain cycling the distance, but they know it鈥檚 nothing compared to the struggles faced by these smiling kids,鈥� said Krenz. 鈥淭hese kids are an inspiration to our team, and that鈥檚 what keeps them pedalling day after day.鈥�
Funds raised from the event stay in the communities to fund specific items required by children facing illness, disability or traumatic crisis through a grant application process. Since 2001 the Cops For Kids has raised more than $4 million dollars through their fundraising efforts.
鈥淲ith many of the riders having completed another long season of summer policing duties, they鈥檙e now heading out the door again to continue to give back to their community,鈥� said Cops for Kids president Grant Fletcher.
鈥淲ith a short turn around, this shows what an exemplary group of committed individuals make up this special team,
He said each rider has volunteered and trained on their own time, in addition to raising a minimum of $2,000 in order to be a part of our team
鈥淲e鈥檝e got great sponsors, donors, and supporters who will be cheering us on from home so we鈥檙e excited to hit the road and make them proud,鈥� added Fletcher.
Members of the public are encouraged to meet with the team during their stops in each community, to make a donation or to learn more about the ride.
Donations are also accepted at any time.
To follow the team along their journey or to make a donation please visit the website at www.copsforkids.org
