A total of 28 bicycle riders and seven support people from the RCMP and supporting enforcement agencies across the RCMP's South East District will embark on the 15 annual Cops for Kids  Ride on Friday, Sept.9.

The 2016 ride will take the team across the south-east corner of B.C. to raise awareness and essential funds for children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis.

During the 10-day fundraising ride, the Cops for Kids riders will cycle through 18 different communities and they will face challenging terrain and possible inclement weather conditions along the way. It starts and ends in 91大黄鸭.

The route includes the assent and decent of two mountains passes鈥攖he Anarchist Mountain near Osoyoos and the Paulson summit on the way to Castlegar.  These encounters will remind each rider of the challenges that some children, our "Little Ambassadors", face on a daily basis, say organizers. And they will serve to keep the riders focused to complete their journey to help better the lives of those children.

Funds raised from this event will go toward buying specific items required by children facing illness, disability or traumatic crisis.

Along their route, the riders will be greeted by local dignitaries and the Little Ambassadors who receive funding from the annual ride.

Members of the public are encouraged to meet with the team for a photo at their stops in each community.

For president Gail Harrison, it鈥檚 those little faces that serve as a reminder of why we must all work together to fill the gap for funding needs.

鈥淲e鈥檙e seeing families in tough situations when tragedy strikes their family," said Harrison.  "A family can鈥檛 plan for a crisis, so it鈥檚 important that Cops for Kids can be there financially when they need us most.鈥�

Cops for Kids are grateful for the generosity shown by all of our communities within our region.," said Ride captain Julio Krenz.

鈥淥ur riders join us from detachments throughout the South East District, and they鈥檝e each raised a minimum of $2,000 through various fundraising efforts in their own community. We鈥檝e got great corporate sponsors, individual donors and service clubs who help us raise the essential funds we need."

During the ride, local community groups, restaurants and hotels generously extend their hospitality to the team as well.

"Saving on these costs allows us to put all of our efforts towards the children, keeping our costs low,鈥�  added Krenz.

Donations to the ride are  accepted at any time.

To follow the team along their journey or to make a donation, visit the website at