More than $105K raised at Kelowna's Cycle for Strong Kids event

Nearly 300 riders came together over the weekend in Kelowna for the annual Cycle for Strong Kids and raised a record $105,000 for charity.

Smashing last year’s record of $77,000, the 10^th annual YMCA fundraiser was a huge success. Proceeds from the event will help support children and families in the Okanagan access quality child care and other programs and services offered by the YMCA of Okanagan.

One in five children require assistance to participate in a YMCA program, and one in three families require assistance. The YMCA serves over 47,000 children, families and seniors every year in the community.

The results of our 10^th Annual YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids are extraordinary,” said Rhonda Zakala, GM of Marketing and Fund Development at the YMCA of Okanagan. “The generosity and support of our riders, sponsors, volunteers and employees are overwhelming. These are all people who recognize and appreciate the charitable work the YMCA is doing in the community.”

When the event first began is was meant as a way to get Kelowna companies more involved with the YMCA.

“Back in 2007, we had a couple of YMCA employees and volunteers round up some stationary bikes and transport them to various offices in the city where employees would cycle for an hour,” Zakala added.

That first year, the YMCA of Okanagan raised about $5,000. The support over the years has been tremendous as more and more companies sign up to participate.