Cops for Kids Ride 2025 – Day 10 & Final Wrap-Up

2025 Cops for Kids Ride presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation

Today marked the final day of the 2025 Cops for Kids Ride, and what a finish it was.

After an overnight stay at the Prestige Vernon Lodge, our team woke up for the final time on tour and shared a hearty breakfast courtesy of Denny’s Vernon — fuelling us up for the last stretch of this incredible journey. With clear skies and full hearts, we gathered at the Kalamalka Lake viewpoint to take in one last group photo.

From there, we made our way toward Kelowna — a short but emotional ride as we crossed the finish line of a tour that has taken us across South East District connecting us with countless families and communities along the way.

Upon arrival in Kelowna at the Ramada Hotel, we were welcomed by a wonderful crowd of friends, family, supporters, and many of the families we ride for. The energy was uplifting, and it was the perfect way to close out ten days of hard work, heartfelt conversations, and life-changing connections. It was an emotional but uplifting end to this journey, giving riders, crew, families, and supporters a chance to reflect, share stories, and celebrate what we’ve achieved together.

Our friends from Home Depot were once again there to greet us, offering refreshments and a generous donation to support families travelling to receive medical care. The RCMP Veterans’ Association also made a touching presentation, reminding us of the strength and legacy of service that spans generations. We’re truly honoured by their continued support.

We were joined on the final leg today by some very special guests: Tim Schroeder, who added his energy and enthusiasm to our final kilometres. Tom Budd, of the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, our 2025 title sponsor, who not only presented this year’s ride but also physically joined us on the road for our last day — a true symbol of leadership and generosity. Gail Harrison, a cornerstone of the Cops for Kids Ride for 20 years, also rode today. Gail has been part of the heart and soul of this event since nearly the beginning. Gail, your legacy is woven into the fabric of this organization, and we are deeply grateful for all you’ve done.

As we closed the book on this year’s ride, we are incredibly proud to announce that $310,000 has been raised (and counting!) to support children and families in our region who are facing illness, disability, or traumatic crisis. It’s a milestone that reflects the compassion, commitment, and community spirit of everyone who contributed — riders, donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

Our work, however, does not stop here. Cops for Kids accepts donations year-round, and the need continues every single day. Families in crisis reach out to us for help, and thanks to your support, we are able to say yes.

This year, we were blessed with great weather, a strong, drama-free team, and incredible community support. Our riders built bonds that will last a lifetime, proving again that when people come together with a shared mission, extraordinary things happen.

We’d like to once again thank our generous sponsors who made this ride possible:

Title Sponsor

Thomas Alan Budd Foundation – thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to kids in our community.

Platinum Sponsors

• Prestige Hotels & Resorts

• Stutters Restorations

• Harmony Honda

• Creston Charitable Foundation

• Tamarack Centre

To our riders, support crew, families, sponsors, community partners, and everyone who stood behind us every step of the way — thank you.

We’ve closed out the 25th anniversary of the Cops for Kids Ride, but we’re not done yet. The ride continues, the mission continues, and the need is still great. We’ll be back again — stronger than ever.

With heartfelt thanks,
The Cops for Kids Ride Organizing Committee