A team of 25 cyclists and a six-person support crew from the RCMP and supporting enforcement agencies in the region will participate in the annual Cops for Kids Ride beginning Friday, Sept. 11.
The 2015 ride, presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, will take the team more than 1,000 kilometres in southeastern British Columbia.
The ride is to raise awareness and funds for children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis.
The cyclists will stop in Summerland at the RCMP detachment on Sept. 11 around 1:30 p.m.
Orv Robson, a retired RCMP officer from Summerland, said the team will receive a contribution at the station.
In addition, others who are interested may also provide donations at that time.
He added that the Cops for Kids Ride has had benefits in the community.
“We’ve got a family in Summerland we’ve helped out,” he said. “The riders help in the South Okanagan and the Kootenays.”
The cyclists will visit 18 communities during the 10-day ride.
Over the 15 years the event ride has been held, cyclists have raised more than $3.1 million.
“I’m honored to be a part of this event again this year. These leaders in our community work so hard to assist children who are really struggling,” said presenting sponsor Tom Budd.
“The team covers some gruelling terrain to get across the region, but their efforts are minor compared to the challenges these children face.”
“We’ve got a fresh and spirited bunch this year,” said Julio Krenz, a retired staff sergeant who is the ride captain this year.
“They’ve spent their summer training and fundraising, and now they’ve left their own families behind to come together as a team to ride rain or shine, to raise even more money for children in our region.”
To follow the team or to make a donation, visit copsforkids.org. The riders also have a presence on Facebook and Twitter.