Cops for Kids tour wrapped up with trip from Vernon to Kelowna

The 2023 Cops for Kids charity ride has wrapped up.

The 24 riders, consisting of RCMP, B.C. Sheriff Service and B.C. Corrections officers from the South East District, as well as their support crew, completed the 10-day trek by riding from Vernon to Kelowna Sunday, Sept. 17.

The cyclists began their journey in Kelowna Friday, Sept. 8, rode down through the South Okanagan, Kootenays and Thompson region before turning back to the North Okanagan and arriving in Vernon Saturday, Sept. 16.

The team faced many challenges during their journey including steep hills, hot weather and being diverted to avoid the rock slide area of Highway 97 between Peachland and Summerland, but still the cyclists persevered and completed their ride.

“It’s not an easy feat to cycle these long distances day after day with the sun beating down on us, but we kept hydrated and got shade where we could,” Ride Captain and retired Staff Sergeant Major Julio Krenz said.

“Some of our riders got some bumps and bruises; most of the riders have aches and pains, but they’re still smiling, and they’ll head back to their duties tomorrow after a well-deserved rest in their own beds [Sunday].”

The cyclists visited 26 communities over the 10-day trip where they met with members of the public.

At the halfway point, Cranbrook hosted a Jail and Bail event that Cops for Kids support crew were able to be involved with to also help raise funds for the cause.

“It is that great community support and meeting with children we have helped along the way that keeps us coming back,” Corporal Tania Finn with Cops for Kids said.

“We have many return riders that are very passionate about this cause and, when we ride into town to cheers and smiles, it makes it all worthwhile.”

The ride may be over but the fundraiser is still going. People who wish to make a donation to Cops for Kids in name of one of the riders, including Nick Reimann of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, can do so here.

Cops for Kids is a non-profit that supports local children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis.