Containing Our Excitment

We are proud to say that 7 days from today the Cops for Kids Ride 2020 will leave Kelowna for our 20^thAnniversary; but like everything else in our world, it’s going to look different this year. Through careful planning and support of local health agencies, we’ve designed a plan to  execute the ride across South East District that will keep both our team and the communities safe as we circumnavigate the region.

The team of 29 cyclists will still complete their 1,000km of cycling from September 11-20 , but they’ll ride from home each day, so that we are not burdening the hospitality industry who graciously hosts us each year. A small support crew of 3 will travel the designated route, picking up a team of 6 local riders each day to complete the leg on behalf of the team. Cyclists will cover their own costs and arrangements to travel to the start and end of their designate route. Being mindful of public health guidelines, the team will not be stopping in communities for meals or community landings. For the riders, it will take tenacity to wake up each morning and pedal 100km of cycling on the same roads they’ve trained on all summer without the motivation, teamwork, support, and comradery of their colleagues working together to conquer the journey.

Perhaps one of the aspects that the riders will miss the most this year, will be the opportunity to engage with each community as we pass through. Normally when the ride stops in a community they’re able to engage with supporters, donors, and the families who benefit from our fundraising efforts. Without these kind words, hugs, or handshakes of support and gratitude, the riders will rely on the roadside cheers, waves, and the honk of a passing car to push them forward.

For the families of a sick child, quitting isn’t an option. As a small regional foundation, we don’t have the option either. With our spring fundraisers all cancelled, we’re counting on the success of our ride to provide ongoing financial support to local families year-round.

Our 2020 team includes:

Kathryn AHVENUS

Lisa BARNES

John BAUER

Rob CROWDER

Gevan DALE

Robyn DIDDAMS

Andrew DEANE

Grant FLETCHER

Derrick FRANCIS

Rob GARDNER

Ron GEORGE

Michel GRONDIN

Marc GRUBER

Gail HARRISON

Al HILDEBRANDT

Kelly HUNTER

Courtney KING

Mike KOSOF

Julio KRENZ

Garnet LLOYD

Steve MCVARNOCK

Darcy MARCH

Dean MARCHAND

James MOORE

Carmen PENNEY

Neil PENNEY

Nick REIMANN

Tim SCHROEDER

Carl STENE

Liz VANT ERVE

Jared ZEEMAN

Our riders have all raised a minimum of $2,500 to help these children, but they aren’t done yet. If you want to support their individual fundraising goals, please visit our website copsforkids.org

We will update this blog every night after the riders finish, sharing updates from the 6 daily designate riders, but also those from riders who are at home pedaling each day. If you see them on the road, we encourage you to safely offer your support. Cheers, waves, and honks go a long way. We will also publish locations where you can cheer for the team each day. We look forward to seeing you on the road!

Be well,

Ride Captain

Retired Staff Sergeant Major Julio Krenz