The 2026 Cops for Kids Ride will roll into Salmon Arm on Thursday before riders depart the community Friday morning as part of a 10-day fundraising journey through southeastern B.C.
The team left Kelowna Sept. 11 and is cycling through the South Okanagan and Kootenays before travelling through the Shuswap and returning to Kelowna on Sunday, Sept. 20.
The roughly 1,000-kilometre route includes challenging climbs such as Anarchist Mountain and Paulson Pass.
“Our team members go above and beyond not just in uniform, but in how they give back,”retired RCMP Superintendent Brent Mundle, president of Cops for Kids said. “The ride is challenging, but it’s a small effort compared to what the kids and families go through. That’s what keeps the team pedaling.”
Each rider raised a minimum of $2,500 to participate, according to Cops for Kids.
“For these riders, the Cops for Kids Ride is about far more than cycling, it’s a commitment to service and a powerful expression of what law enforcement can bring to the communities they serve,” read the Cops for Kids statement.
Riders trained throughout the year, volunteered at community events and took part in fundraising initiatives.
“It’s about honouring the incredible heart and humanity of our law enforcement,” presenting sponsor and philanthropist Tom Budd stated
He added that supporting this ride is about more than fundraising.
“These men and women choose to serve, and then they choose to ride, to give even more. I’m proud to stand beside them on this journey,” Budd said.
Cops for Kids has raised more than $6.8 million to support children and families across Southeastern B.C.
Riders will head to Nelson, Crawford Bay, Creston, Cranbrook, Invermere, Golden, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Chase, Kamloops, Falkland and Vernon before returning to Kelowna.
