Twenty-two riders and six support people from RCMP and supporting enforcement agencies within South East District embarked on this year’s annual Cops for Kids Ride on Friday, September 7.

The 2012 Ride, presented by The Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, will take the team across the southeastern corner of British Columbia, to raise awareness and essential funds for children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis.

Over the 10-day journey, Cops for Kids riders will cycle into 18 different communities across South Eastern British Columbia, facing some challenging terrain and possible inclement weather conditions along the way. The route includes the assent and decent of two mountains passes: the Anarchist Mountain and Blue Berry Paulsen, which involve significant elevation changes. These encounters will remind each rider of the challenges that some children, our Ambassadors, face on a daily basis and it will serve to keep them focused to complete their journey to help better the lives of these children. Many of these little Ambassadors will meet the riders in their hometowns.

As a part of the 2012 Cops for Kids Ride, our team will be arriving in Cranbrook on Wednesday, September 12 from Creston at approximately 3 p.m. At 7 p.m. they will be at the Tamarack Centre for the annual All Male Fashion Show including the mayor.

These riders tackle a grueling journey across southeastern B.C. to raise money for children in need, and I’m honored to be a part of such an event that helps children in our communities, said presenting sponsor Tom Budd. These children require medical equipment, mobility & learning aids that aren’t covered by government funding, and Cops for Kids is able to provide these crucial funds because of this event.

Cops for Kids are grateful for the generosity shown by all of our communities. Our riders join us from across the region, and they’ve each raised a minimum of $2,000 through various fundraising efforts in their own community. During the ride, local community groups, restaurants, and hotels generously extend their hospitality to our team. Saving on these costs allows us to put all of our efforts towards the children, boasts Ride Captain, Julio Krenz. We are very honoured to be welcomed into each community with such open arms.

To follow the team along their journey or to make a donation please visit the website at www.copsforkids.org.

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Above image: The Cops for Kids riders climb out of Kelowna on the first leg of their journey though the Southeast District, from 2008. Photo by Cpl. Chris Newel

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