Police officers from around the region are participating in the 2013 Cops for Kids Ride, a 10-day bicycle ride to raise awareness and money for children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis.
The ride began in Kelowna Friday at 9 a.m. and arrived at the Summerland RCMP detachment around 1:30 that afternoon.
Throughout the 10 days of the tour, the cyclists will stop in 18 communities in southeastern British Columbia.
“This is a group of individuals who have all come together to make a difference for local children,” said ride captain Cpl. Brian Burke. “They’ve all been training and fundraising all summer, and now they come together as a team to ride rain or shine to raise even more money and awareness for children in our region.”
Burke, who works for the Penticton RCMP detachment’s police dog service but lives in Summerland, said the ride gives participants an opportunity to think about the people they are supporting.
“There are a lot of people struggling with day-to-day issues with their children,” he said.
More information about the ride is available online at copsforkids.org.