Cycling cops return home as Kids Ride wraps Up
After cycling 1,000 kilometres throughout South Eastern B.C., the team of Cops for Kids Riders completed their 16th annual Ride in Kelowna on Monday.
During the past 10 days, the riders cycled into 18 communities in order to raise money for children in medical, physical, or traumatic crisis.
The event started the team of 28 under smokey skies in the Okanagan. From there, they travelled through the mountainous terrain of the Boundary Kootenay region, an active fire evacuation zone in the East Kootenay and back to connect with the families who will benefit from their fundraising efforts. Funds raised will support children who require transportation to medical treatment outside their community, medical supplies, specialized therapies, learning tools and 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.
“This year, our team included many new riders joining from communities like Merritt and Oliver, B.C. Sheriffs, a volunteer fire fighter, a Canada Border Services Officer, the RCMP force chaplain, an auxiliary constable, Cops for Kids board members, and even a guest pharmacist,” said said ride captain and retired Staff Sgt. Major Julio Krenz. “These fresh faces added a new element to the team, bringing experiences from their work as general duty officers, federal investigators, a school resource officer, watch commanders, a forensic identification specialist, a serious crime investigator, a detachment commander, and a municipal employee transcriber.
“Not only have they worked hard on the bike, but they’ve done an incredible job raising funds to help the children who need it most.”
The team was welcomed home at the Ramada Hotel by a crowd of supporters, friends, sponsors, dignitaries and RCMP Deputy Commissioner Brenda ButterworthCarr offering her congratulations and words of support. For the cyclists, it was a great way to end their journey knowing that their community and leadership supports the common goal of assisting children in crisis.
Although the event has wrapped up for the year, their need for funding lasts throughout the year.They fundraise year-round to support the ongoing requests. 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
It was a night to remember, as the Salvation Army Central Okanagan hosted its second fashion show this year, Army Rouge at the Capri Hotel.
The show featured community members and staff from The Salvation Army Thrift Stores. Karen Hill of the Capital News and Kathy Butler of Okanagan College were just two of the celebrity models.
“We wanted to showcase the diversity of women and celebrate fashion,” said Patty Lou Bryant, Salvation Arm communications co-ordinator.
“Fashion is about how you feel. If a garment fits and you feel fabulous, then you have nailed fashion perfectly. We want women to know their bodies are absolutely perfect and fashion showcases their beauty.”
The Army Rouge fashion show also offered silent auction items.There were such brands as Escada, Hugo Boss, Joseph Ribkoff and shoes from Sauro, Josef Seibel and Etienne Aigner.
The silent auction sales totalled over $1,000. Attendees received a swag bag full of gifts including jewelry and discount coupons. More than 40 door prizes were given out.
Fashions from the show will be available for sale at the Rutland Thrift Store.
“Doing a fashion show is so much fun,” said Bryant. “However, our purpose is two fold. One is to show case the amazing clothing at our thrift stores. And two, most importantly, is to raise funds for The Salvation Army. Funds are used for helping our community — everything from our Food Bank to aid during disasters like the fires this summer. “Love that this event will help families here in the Okanagan.”