Enforcement officers from every ilk in the Greater Trail region were part of the 10-day Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation bike ride through the West Kootenay and the Okanagan, topping a record year for funds raised.
The journey took the team over steep elevation changes such as the Anarchist Mountain and the Blueberry Paulson Pass, and served up both some inclement weather and a few hot riding days.
Money raised from this event will fund requests for medical travel, mobility & learning aids for children from the South East District of British Columbia.
In all, 21 riders and six support members from the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies—including B.C. Sheriffs and the Canada Border Service Agency—participated in this year’s ride from Sept. 7-13.
Riders also met with some of the children receiving grants this year.
“Meeting and getting to know the young ambassadors of Cops for Kids, truly puts into perspective our own short term struggles, aches and pains encountered during the ride and in our daily lives, compared to those that these children face each day of theirs,” said rider and president Gail Harrison.
This year the event raised $215,000.
Cops for Kids have processed over 99 applications for assistance so far this year, and continue to see a need for continued support for children in crisis throughout the region.
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.