They’ve been training all summer, and now they’re ready to take on the marathon of a bike ride to help local kids.
This Nelson trio of BC Sheriffs Mike Kosof, Rob Crowder and RCMP civilian Karen Armstrong have joined the 2015 Thomas Alan Budd Foundation Cops for Kids ride team, and will leave Kelowna today on a 10-day, 1,000 km cycling journey across southeastern BC.
The annual Cops for Kids Ride raises funds and awareness for children in medical, physical and traumatic crisis in this region, for the funding of medical equipment, therapies, travel to Children’s Hospital, learning and mobility aids. Since 2001, Cops for Kids has raised over $3.1 million in support of local children.
During the 10-day ride, Cops for Kids riders will cycle into 18 different communities across southeast BC, where they will have the opportunity to meet many of the children who benefit from this event, reminding each rider of the challenges they face each day, and keeping them focused to help better the lives of these children.
“I’m excited to be back on the ride after missing 2014,” said Kosof. “This is such a great team of people who really want to make a difference in the community.”
As part of the 2015 Cops for Kids ride, the team will arrive in Nelson on Monday at noon. The group will be hosted and supported by local groups at the RCMP detachment, Leo’s Pizza, Prestige Inn and from the local Rotary and veterans clubs.
“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,” says ride caption Julio Krenz.
“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. We are very honoured to be welcomed into each community with such open arms.”
“I’m really excited to hit the road,” added Crowder. “We’ve been training and fundraising for this all summer, and now our hard work will pay off when we get to support the children who really need it.”
For Armstrong, it’s the obligation she feels to give back to her community that encouraged her to join the team.
“Mike’s had some great experiences on the ride, and I’ve supported the team when they arrive into Nelson every year, so this year I decided to join the team myself. Cash donations are always greatly appreciated, but I wanted to really challenge myself this year.”
Donations are accepted at any time. To follow the team along their journey or to donate, visit copsforkids.org.