Friday marked the beginning of the annual Cops for Kids ride, where 23 bikers will travel 1,000 kilometres to raise funds for children in need.
The charitable foundation is dedicated to assisting children who have suffered from a medical, physical, or traumatic crisis in the Southern Interior region.
Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has raised $6.5 million for kids in need.
“In the past few years, there's been five families in Creston alone that have benefited,” said Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Creston RCMP detachment commander. “It's a tremendous cause. They raise a significant amount of money each year, and as a non-profit, they’re there to give back.”
The 10-day ride will cover challenging terrain through over 20 communities. From Sept. 9 to 15, the bikers will ride a loop from Kelowna, circling south to Grand Forks, onward to Nelson, Castlegar, Creston and Cranbrook, north to Golden, and back to the starting point in the Okanagan.
This year, Const. Robyn Diddams will be representing Creston and meeting some of the families along the way who have used the service.
A recent transfer from Golden, Diddams has been a long-term participant in the event for many years. His own family turned to Cops for Kids for help with travel costs when his son was born with medical issues and needed transport to a bigger hospital.
As an avid cyclist, he has clocked 500 kilometres a month since March to prepare for the journey.
“He's worked hard, and we're very proud of him,” said Buliziuk. “We look forward to seeing him right into his new home community this week.”
Those who want to support Diddams’ ride can donate online at copsforkids.org.
The riders will arrive in Creston on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Community members are invited to wave them in at the local detachment. Kootenay Smokin' Grillz will be on site, with all proceeds going to Cops for Kids.
To further support the cause, the newly formed Creston RCMP Charitable Foundation aims to raise additional funds through an inaugural golf tournament, dinner, and silent auction on Sept. 14.
Tickets for the event at Creston Golf Club cost $200 per person, or $100 for just dinner. Sign up online at jamiewallrealty.com/cops-for-kids.
“There's still a lot of room, and the more, the better,” said Buliziuk. “It's going to be a great social event.”
