Const. Seanan Sharp is once again preparing to trade in one set of wheels for another in this year’s Cops for Kids Ride.
The Cops for Kids organization aims at assisting children in the Southern Interior who are in medical, physical or traumatic crises.
“The organization is an amazing organization and on the ride we were able to meet some of the kids that we helped out (last year),” he said of his decision to participate in the grueling 1,000 kilometre Cops for Kids bike ride again.
“I liked the fact that (the organization) focused on kids and that it’s not specific to any particular illness — it’s just any kids in crisis,” he added.
Last year Sharp was able to meet three of the kids helped out by the organization, one of which had Lyme disease and whose treatment was paid for through Sharp’s fundraising.
His training schedule remains mostly the same from last year, although the avid mountain biker said he hasn’t been out biking as much as he’d like.
But now that he knows what to expect, he’s ready for it — including the uphill portion of Paulson Pass, the toughest part of last year’s ride he thinks.
Unfortunately this year he won’t be able to participate in the full 10-day ride due to a shortage of staff members in the Castlegar detachment, where Sharp was recently transferred, but he said he still plans on doing all the fundraising he can to reach his $6,000 goal.
This weekend will be the biggest fundraiser for Sharp’s campaign, held at the Trail Walmart. Last year the BBQ and raffle raised $4,300 for the ride, which they’re hoping to beat this year.
Besides the BBQ and raffle — including prizes such as a pool, patio set and BBQ — entertainment, a bouncy castle and the ever-popular dunk tank will also be on hand.
The officer who will be a victim of the dunk tank is a retired member who was notorious for handing out tickets, Sharp said with a laugh, adding that said officer will be there at noon.
“He’s always a crowd pleaser when we have a dunk tank.”
Donations can be made online at www.copsforkids.org.
The actual bike ride will begin Sept. 16.