45 minutes on the bike becomes mega fundraiser for kids

The H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre whirred with excitement as more than 230 enthusiastic residents eagerly gathered for the 16th annual Cycle for Strong Kids event, organized by the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.

Their mission Sunday was clear: to pump the legs and support the growing number of families facing financial insecurities.

Participants put their feet to the pedal and embarked on 45 minutes of non-stop cycling throughout the morning.

Last year, they raised an impressive $123,000; this year they set a higher target goal of $130,000. That was quickly surpassed; they've raised over $181,000.

All the funds raised will be directed towards subsidizing vital resources such as childcare, day camps, swim lessons, health memberships, and a range of recreational and sport programs.

These initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burdens faced by parents who strive to provide these opportunities for their children but often find them financially out of reach.

“We invite anyone to participate in YMCA programs. And those who can afford to do pay the full fee, but sometimes people can't afford to pay the full fee. And so, we want to make sure that everyone is included,” YMCA of Southern Interior BC Allyson Graf told Kelowna10. “We’ll make it accessible to them by removing the financial barrier to access the programs and services that we offer.”

The event had taken a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the organizers to reflect on their approach to engaging donors and the community. While uncertainties loomed, last year's event brought the same level of enthusiasm and generosity.

“We were excited and surprised last year that when did the event again, just how much people wanted to get back together and to be outside and to celebrate and to be together in a fundraising event like this,” Graf said. “This event is really special to us. It's just been growing ever since we started. It's unique, it's fun, and it brings people together with a common goal of supporting children and families in our community who are less fortunate.”