Smoky skies not stopping annual ride
The West Kelowna Valley First Credit Union was a quick stop for 25 cyclists on Friday morning after they set off on the 16th Annual Cops for Kids ride that will see riders pedal close to 1,000 kilometres on a circle route through the Okanagan, Kootenay and Thompson regions.
The ride is the signature fundraiser for the Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation that raises money for children facing illness, disability or traumatic crisis. This includes supporting children with just about any childhood affliction, children who have to spend months in oncology in Vancouver, premature babies as well as providing mobility including wheelchairs, walkers and therapies.
“You name it, we’re there,” said Gail Harrison, past president of Cops for Kids and grants co-ordinator.
Cops for Kids has raised more than $4 million since 2001.
Along the route through the RCMP’s Southeast District, the team will be greeted by local dignitaries and children and families who receive funding from the annual event.
For Harrison, who is on her 12th Cops for Kids ride, it’s all about helping children.
“We make such a difference to so many kids, you can’t not come back,” she said.
This year has been tough for many businesses in Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton; however, Harrison said businesses have continued to support the Cops for Kids Ride.
About 85 per cent of the riders are Mounties, who are joined by supporting enforcement agencies within Southeastern B.C.
Each had to raise at least $2,000 to join the ride.
This is Cpl. Carmen Penney of the West Kelowna detachment’s first ride.
She wanted to do the event since she first heard of it when she moved to Prince George.
Now in the Okanagan, Penney took up cycling in June and said this is her time to ride.
“The cause is amazing,” she said. While she has been fortunate enough to have healthy kids, when she sees kids in need it really draws her.
This is the seventh ride for John Bauer, an auxiliary with the Kelowna detachment.
Initially he looked at the 1,000-km ride as a challenge, but said he was blown away when he met families with children who were struggling. “It changes you,” he said. He recalled meeting a two-year old child in Summerland who had undergone open heart surgery. She was so tiny, Bauer’s hand was the size of her back.
“She was so happy to see everybody,” he said. “These little ones have hearts of warriors.”
Along with seeing the children, Bauer enjoys the feeling of accomplishment he gets from making a difference, saying it rejuvenates him for the rest of the year. Over the 10-day ride, the cyclists form a bond. While they set out as individuals, Bauer said they finish as friends. The ride wraps up in Kelowna Sept. 17. To follow the team’s progress or make a donation, go online to copsforkids. org.