Castlegar's Wally Bursey, an RCMP member for the Creston detachment, has been training all summer for the ride of a lifetime. On Thursday, Sept. 6 he will depart from Kelowna for the ten day, 2012 Cops for Kids Ride.
The annual Cops for Kids Ride is a ten day cycling journey starting in Kelowna that takes the team of 28 RCMP riders, sheriffs, border services officers, civilians and support crews across the Southern Interior of British Columbia in order to raise money for children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis in our communities.
"I've been riding my bike all summer training for the long days and elevation changes we'll face over the ten days," said Wally. "I know this ride will be challenging, but it's nothing compared to the challenges the kids we ride for face on a daily basis."
Wally has also been fundraising all summer to participate in the ride. Each rider is responsible for raising a minimum of $2,000, and Wally has already raised $4,200 through corporate donations, and a barbecue at M&M Meat Shop in Castlegar.
"These children require medical equipment, mobility and learning aids that aren't covered by government funding, and Cops for Kids is able to provide these crucial funds because of this event. My family and I know that being apart of the ten days is a small sacrifice because what I'm doing is making a difference in the lives of children who need it most."
Castlegar RCMP Cst. Rob Gardner will also be riding.
People can still help out Wally with his fundraising by going to: www.reg.ccnbikes.com/index.php/pledge/190
The Cops for Kids Ride takes place from Sept. 7-16 and will be arriving in Castlegar on Sunday, Sept. 9 at approximately 3:45 p.m. at Boston Pizza for a recognition ceremony for local families.