Despite smoky weather conditions, 15 RCMP officers began their 10-day cycling descent to raise money for kids in need.
The 25th annual Cops for Kids bike ride started at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 at the Sandman Hotel in Kelowna and on the first day, the riders will make it down to Osoyoos.
In total, the ride is 10 days long and riders, who come from Kelowna, Lake Country, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops, and Cranbrook, will cycle nearly 1,000 kilometres. They travel the same route every year.
15 RCMP officers began the 25th annual Cops for Kids charity ride in #Kelowna on Friday @KelownaCapNews @BlackPressMedia pic.twitter.com/M2SeFVE5rE
— Jordy Cunningham (@CunninghamJordy) September 5, 2025
"We have raised over $6.5 million for children and families in need," said Vernon North Okanagan Cpl. Tania Finn to Black Press Media. "This year alone, we've helped families spend over 2,500 nights at Ronald McDonald House."
Some of the money also supplied wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and autism testing to children in need.
On the route, the riders will make stops in Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Midway, Osoyoos, Greenwood, Grand Forks, Castlegar, Nelson, Creston, Cranbrook, Golden, Revelstoke, Chase, Salmon Arm, Kamloops, and Vernon before returning to the Ramada Hotel in Kelowna on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. At some of the stops, the riders will meet families that have been helped by Cops for Kids over the years.
"That really touches the hearts of our riders because they can see firsthand how their efforts have helped these families," said Finn. "It's a long haul on the road but it's absolutely amazing."
Finn added it's special to be able to have the charitable ride go on for 25 years now.
"It's due to the dedication and the hard work of our volunteers and our riders," said Finn. "We have a lot of repeat riders that come back year after year because they're so passionate about the cause."
As for when the riders return on Sept. 14, anyone can join the celebration in welcoming them back from the gruelling but rewarding adventure.
"We are welcoming anybody from the community who wants to come out and cheer the riders after this 10-day journey," said Finn.
