This September, 30 RCMP officers will trade in their cop uniforms and patrol cars for lycra and head out on a gruelling 10-day bike ride through the Kootenays, Shuswap and the Okanagan.
The nearly 1,000-kilometre journey, which begins in Kelowna on September 6, will include stops in Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, the Kootenays, Kamloops and Vernon. The ride is an annual event held in support of Cops for Kids, a charitable foundation that raises funds for children in need of assistance.
Over the past 13 years the charity has raised over $1.5 million to assist children with the purchase of wheelchairs, diabetic pumps, autism treatments, travel and medical costs associated with cancer, mobility tools, orthotics and therapeutic horseback riding.
On September 7, the Oliver Lionesses will hold a hamburger and hotdog barbecue lunch at the Oliver fire hall, with proceeds going to the charity. The Lionesses will be assisted by local firefighters, who will also have their trucks on display for the public.
Lunch is provided by donation. On August 22, Bill and Dawn Reid of the Firehall Bistro will donate a portion of the proceeds from lunch or dinner to Cops for Kids. If you know a local child that can benefit from Cops for Kids, contact Linda Schaffrick at 250-498-3710.
