It’s Almost time for the 2026 Cops for Kids Ride

by Retired Staff Sergeant Major Julio Krenz

It is hard to believe that the 2026 Cops for Kids Ride is almost here.

Next Friday September 11th, our team Cops for Kids Riders will leave Kelowna and begin another long ride in support of Cops for Kids. These folks come from different communities and different backgrounds, but they have one thing in common: they care about helping children and families in our communities.

I am very proud to introduce this year’s riders:

BC Corrections Officer Heather CARTER, Oliver Correctional Centre

BC Sheriff Service Inspector Rob CROWDER, Nelson

Cst. Blake DE LA PERRELLE, Kamloops RCMP

Cpl. Robyn DIDDAMS, Golden RCMP

Retired Cpl. Dirk FINKENSIEP, Comox

Marc GRUBER, Lake Country

BC Corrections Officer Jamie HERRINGTON, Oliver Correctional Centre

Dean MARCHAND, Penticton

Cst. Mike MURRAY, Cranbrook RCMP

Cst. Nick REIMANN, BC Highway Patrol Falkland

BC Conservation Officer Michaela RHEES, Creston

Sgt. Laurie ROCK, Oliver RCMP

Lana THORSLUND, Penticton

Retired Cst. Liz VANT ERVE, Penticton

Our dedicated support crew this year will be:

Cst. Troy BEVAN, Kelowna RCMP

Cst. Kelly BRETT, Penticton RCMP

Ken Georgeson, Kelowna

Cst. Gord JUST, Revelstoke RCMP

Retired BC Sheriff Deputy Mike KOSOF, Nelson

Cpl. Brett URANO, RCMP E Division

Cst. Jared ZEEMAN, Penticton RCMP

These riders are volunteers. They give their time, their energy, and a lot of miles on the bike to make this ride possible. They train for months, deal with the weather and the hills, and together as a team they’ll spend many hours on the road. Most importantly, they do it for the kids.

Over the days ahead, I hope you will follow along with this blog. The team will share stories from the road, some of the challenges the riders face, the communities we visit, and, hopefully, a few good laughs along the way. Please also consider supporting the riders through their fundraising efforts. Every dollar raised helps Cops for Kids continue its important work supporting children and families throughout our communities. The riders appreciate every donation, large or small.

Come Out and Meet the Team

One of the best ways you can support the riders is to come out and meet them along the route. A list of stops and planned meet-up locations are below.  If you live in one of these communities, or happen to be nearby, I encourage you to come out and say hello.

You may not realize just how much that means to the riders. When someone takes the time to come out, shake a hand, share a story, or simply tell the team why they support Cops for Kids, it gives the riders another reason to keep pushing forward. There are going to be some long days and some tough miles. There will be hills, sore muscles and tired legs. Hearing from the people we meet along the way reminds everyone why we are doing this. Your support helps push this team forward on what is an arduous journey. So please review the schedule, find a stop that works for you, and come out to meet the riders.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A ride like this does not happen without the support of some very generous people and businesses.

Our sincere thanks go to our Title Sponsor, the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, for their tremendous support. Through his generosity, Tom makes sure that this ride gets to the start line. His support for our organization is immeasurable, and we’re proud to have him by our side.

We are also very grateful to our Platinum Sponsors:

• Stutters
• Tamarack Centre
• Harmony Honda
• Prestige Hotels & Resorts
• Badges for Bright Futures
• Team Brandson McDonald’s Kamloops

Your support makes a real difference. On behalf of the riders, the volunteers, and especially the children and families who benefit from Cops for Kids, thank you.

If You See Us on the Road

As the riders make their way along the roads of British Columbia, we ask motorists to please give them room and pass safely. And if you happen to see us along the way, don’t be shy. Horns, cheers, waves and thumbs-up are always appreciated! There is nothing quite like seeing a vehicle or a group of people cheering from the side of the road. It gives the riders a real boost, especially when the road ahead gets long and the legs get tired. I have been around law enforcement and Cops for Kids for many years, and I continue to be impressed by the people who step forward to serve their communities. I am proud of this year’s team, and I look forward to following them down the road. The bikes are ready. The riders are ready. Now let’s get this ride started.

Thank you for following, supporting and cheering us on.

Retired Staff Sergeant Major Julio Krenz