After 10 days of cycling, police and corrections officers from around the Okanagan received a rousing welcome home. 

The 26 riders and support crew from the RCMP, B.C. Sheriffs Service and B.C. Corrections within the southeast district returned to 琉璃神社 after navigating the province to raise funds for local children in need. 

The team left 琉璃神社 on Friday, Sept. 6, cycling through the South Okanagan, Kootenays and Thompson region, before making their final push from Vernon on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Presented by the Alan Budd Foundation, the Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation Ride saw the crew visit 26 different communities over the 10 day ride. 

In Creston, a community BBQ drew crowds to welcome the team and raise funds with a pulled pork dinner. Then, at the halfway point of the ride, Cranbrook hosted a very successful Jail and Bail event that Cops of Kids support crew were able to participate in to help raise funds needed for the children.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not an easy feat to cycle these long distances day after day with the sun beating down on us,鈥� said Cops for Kids President retired superintendent Brent Mundle. 鈥淥ur riders have a great support system travelling with them to kept them hydrated and many service groups stepped up to help keep them fed.鈥�

Cpl. Tania Finn of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP added that "great community support and meeting with children we have helped along the way keeps us coming back."

While the signature event is over for this year, the organization is accepting donations throughout the year to support the ongoing requests from families. To donate, visit .