7 Day Countdown

By Retired S/Sgt Major Julio Krenz

It’s been a long, hot summer for RCMP Detachments from all over South Eastern BC, but for a few of the dedicated members the autumn doesn’t provide any reprieve. In 7 short days, 25 cyclists will depart Kelowna for 1,000km across the district, to raise funds for children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis. The Cops for Kids Ride takes place each September, and the 2017 team is excited for the opportunity to get on the road to show that their hard work has paid off.

Each member of the Cops for Kids Team must volunteer their time, provide their own bike, and raise a minimum of $2,000 in order to be a part of the annual team. They are true leaders in their communities, and they are committed to making a difference in the lives of children facing an illness, disability or traumatic crisis.

Upon our arrival into each community over the ten days, we’re greeted by supporters, media, RCMP leadership, and the faces of the children who benefit from the fundraising efforts. It’s these visits that provide the motivation for our riders to keep pedaling day after day.  If those visits weren’t enough, we also get the opportunity to meet with some close friends that we’ve met over the years. In each community, the team is graciously fed, housed and encouraged by a generous group of restaurants, hotels and service groups who open their hearts to this special team. Many of these groups have hosted us for many years, and each year it’s a special opportunity to reconnect with these supporters during our ride.

The 2017 Cops for Kids Ride Team:

Auxiliary Constable John BAUER Kelowna

Cst. Krista BOUDREAU, Enderby RCMP

Cst. Dan CARSON, Kelowna RCMP

Rob CROWDER, Nelson BC Sheriff Services

Cst. Andrew DEANE, Osoyoos Federal Serious Organized Crime

Grant FLETCHER, Cops for Kids President

Cst. Ron GEORGE, Castlegar RCMP

S.Sgt Kurt GRABINSKY, Revelstoke RCM

S.Sgt Michel GRONDIN, Kamloops RCMP

Cst. Eva HARDING, Trail RCMP

Gail HARRISON, Cops for Kids Grant Coordinator

Mike KOSOF, Nelson BC Sheriff Services

Thomas Garnet LLOYD, Guest

Cst. Andrew MCCABE, Nelson RCMP

Denise MCMAHON, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP

Cpl. James MOORE, Revelstoke RCMP

Cpl. Carmen PENNEY, West Kelowna RCMP

Cst. Jon PUTERBOUGH, Merritt RCMP

Cst. Nicolas REIMANN, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP

Tim SCHROEDER, Kelowna Force Chaplain

Cst. Claudia WYTRWAL, South East District General Investigation Services

Cst. Jared ZEEMAN, Osoyoos Federal Serious Organized Crime

Travelling with the team to ensure their safety & comfort, is the support crew of 7 people.

Allen BURKE, Cheers Okanagan Tours Ltd.

Cpl. Gevan DALE, Kelowna RCMP

Ken GEORGESON, motorhome driver

Shawna LUNDIN, motorhome driver

Cpl. Jesse O’DONAGHEY, Kelowna RCMP

Retired S/Sgt Major Julio KRENZ, Ride Captain

Courtney KING, Event Coordinator

Please support these riders as they make their final push to reach their individual fundraising goals. They’ve all worked very hard and appreciate your support. This blog will be updated daily during our ride, so I encourage you to read and follow along on our journey.