Castlegar cop on the case for kids
By Contributor
We all know Const. Rob Gardner as a proud law enforcement official, but this September he will embark on a challenge of a different kind. Gardner has joined the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation Cops for Kids Ride Team and will leave Kelowna on Sept. 6 on a 10-day, 1,000-km cycling journey across Southeastern B.C. The annual Cops for Kids Ride raises funds and awareness for children in medical, physical and traumatic crisis in our region, for the funding of medical equipment, therapies, travel to Children’s Hospital, learning and mobility aids. Since 2001, Cops for Kids have raised over two million dollars in support of local children!
During the 10-day ride, Cops for Kids riders will cycle into 18 different communities, where they will have the opportunity to meet many of the children who benefit from this event. Meeting these Little Ambassadors will remind each rider of the challenges that they face each day, and it will keep them focussed to help better the lives of these children.
“I’m excited to take on this challenge again this year for mysecond year. It’s an honor to be a part of such an event that helps children in our communities,” said Gardner. “Many of these items aren’t covered by our health care, or other support agencies. Cops for Kids can help to provide these crucial funds to assist local children as a direct result of the success of this event.
“As a part of the 2013 Cops for Kids Ride, our team will be arriving in Castlegar on Sept. 8 from Grand Forks at approximately 3:30 p.m. at Safeway in Castlegar where we will be doing some community presentations to local children, meet with local media and we hope to have dignitaries present.”
Cops for Kids are grateful for the generosity shown by all of our communities.
“Our riders join us from across the region, and they’ve each raised a minimum of $2,000 through various fundraising efforts in their own community. During the ride, local community groups, restaurants, and hotels generously extend their hospitality to our team,” boasts ride captain, Cpl. Brian Burke. “We are very honoured to be welcomed into each community with such open arms.”
To follow the team along their journey or to make a donation please visit the website at www.copsforkids.org
