If you’ve spent any time in the gym at our main campus – you’re likely familiar with Jeff Young’s smiling face. Jeff has been a part of the Student Life team since 2002.
Jeff recently took part in a pretty amazing event – the Cops for Kids Ride. This grueling 10-day bike ride is the charitable foundation’s main fundraising event. Its goal is to raise awareness and donations for children in the Southern Interior Region of BC who are in medical, physical, or traumatic crisis. Jeff was one of 25 full-time riders that took part.
An Auxiliary Constable for a little over a year, Jeff had the goal to raise $2000 for Cops for Kids. He surpassed that, raising $2175. Jeff found the inspiration to do the ride from his wife, an RCMP officer, who took part in 2011. He also knew Cops for Kids was a great charity that he wanted to support.
What Jeff didn’t count on was the emotional impact the event would have on him. “The ride was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life,” he says. “It was a personal accomplishment – but beyond that, it is a tremendously moving experience to meet some of the kids that have been helped by Cops for Kids and to hear their stories.”
Thinking about the kids benefitting from the ride helped Jeff get through the tough days. Day two, with an unforgiving ride up Anarchist Mountain (summit 1,491m/4,892ft) in 30 degree heat, was particularly challenging. Different weather challenges faced Jeff and his fellow riders on day six when Jeff led the group into Cranbrook, through rain, wind and hail. Despite the weather, it was an emotional day reuniting with his family and meeting two local families being helped by Cops for Kids.
This year’s Cops for Kids riders raised the most money of any group in the ride’s history. All in all, a total of $365,000 was raised, $100,000 more than the previous year. And in case you’re wondering – yes, Jeff hopes to do it all again next year – maybe alongside his wife.
Great job, Jeff. Everyone at COTR is so proud of you.