The Cops for Kids (CFK) riders came through Greenwood on their ninth annual ride through the Southeast District of British Columbia to raise funds for children in crisis.
Greenwood Mayor Nipper Kettle was arrested and held in a temporary cell in the parking lot at Deadwood Junction. Two jars were placed before his cell—one to bail him out and the other to keep him in. The combined total raised in Greenwood this year was just shy of $500.
“It’s amazing to see the heart and the get up and go they have, even in the rain,” said CFK director Shawna Lundin, who has been with the organization since its inception.
CFK President Gail Harrison said that this year there are 21 riders, 19 full-time with a few coming along as they can between their working shifts.
“Over the last nine years we’ve raised over $1.9 million to help children in crisis,” exclaimed Harrison.
So far the riders have raised over $83,000 with an overall goal of raising $300,000 with the help of sponsoring organizations.
Harrison reported that so far in 2013, CFK has approved 83 grants. Last year they okayed 138 grants that covered expenses such as medical travel, mobility assistance, etc.
Mayor Kettle brought his bike and joined the riders as they headed to Grand Forks, riding as far as the Eholt Summit.
Second-year rider Brenda Kotzian, who works as a Canada Border Service Officer at the Penticton Airport said that every town they go to they meet some wonderful children and wonderful families that have been helped by CFK. “We call them our little ambassadors. This is my second year and I am pretty sure I will be back next year.”
“I love these people – the people I ride with. But without our support team, without our relief car people taking time out of their schedules we couldn’t do this ride. On behalf of our team I thank them so much.”
Gary and Debbie Ruley and the staff of Deadwood Junction were on hand to welcome the riders for the fourth year running.
No doubt the riders take inspiration from knowledge that they have this stop ahead each year as they climb the Anarchist.
For more information check out copsforkids.org