Every year, dozens of RCMP officers trade in their cop uniforms and patrol cars for lycra and pedal bikes as they undertake the gruelling Cops for Kids bike ride through the Kootenays and the Okanagan.
For those wondering where all the money goes that the officers collect can look no further as two local West Kootenay boys received equipment to aid with their mobility.
"Cops for Kids are committed to assisting children that are in medical, physical or traumatic crisis," said Cst. Rob Gardner of the Castlegar RCMP detachment. "We tirelessly work to raise funds to continue our ongoing support to the children in the communities that we serve. Cops for Kids are devoted to helping little hearts…in our community."
On July 10, local Cops for Kids riders Cst. Gardner and Cst. Wally Bursey presented Cody Archambeault of Winlaw with a hand trike at the Castlegar RCMP detachment.
"The trike is a specialized bike that will give Cody a chance to get out and ride," said Cst. Gardner.
The two also presented Ernie Hansell (below) from Fruitvale with a Pacer Gate Trainer.
This year's Cops for Kids bike ride starts in Kelowna on Sept. 7. Anyone wishing to donate, please visit www.copsforkids.org.