Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation could see over 500 grant requests by the end of 2024.
In 2023, it completed 490 grant requests, up from 334 in 2022. This year is on pace to break those numbers with 88 requests in the first three months.
The charity supports children and youth in crisis experiencing medical, emotional, mental, developmental, or behavioural problems when standard medical coverage is not available.
鈥淲hen a family has to urgently go to BC Children鈥檚 Hospital, everything is upended,鈥� said grant coordinator Gail Harrison. 鈥淚t can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming things a family can experience.鈥�
Cops for Kids helps families with accommodation arrangements such as Ronald McDonald House, Easter Seals House, or JoeAnna鈥檚 House while their child receives care.
鈥淭hese families face incredible emotional and financial challenges when dealing with their child鈥檚 oncology treatment,鈥� said BC Children鈥檚 hospital Social Work Oncology team member, Ilana Katz. 鈥淢ost families struggle with income reduction, extensive travel, food costs, and managing the care of siblings back at home - the list of stressors is extensive.鈥�
Cops for Kids was there when the Palmer family of Penticton needed them most.
鈥淥ur daughter was born at 29 weeks and sent to the NICU at BC Women鈥檚 for the next 7.5 months,鈥� said Christina Palmer. 鈥淐ops for Kids restored our faith in the power of community and compassion and will always hold a special place in our hearts.鈥�
Increased need has strained resources and the charity鈥檚 signature fund-raising event, the Cops for Kids annual bike ride, is still months away.
In September, a team of law enforcement and community members will make a 10-day cycling journey through the RCMP Southeast District raising money and awareness.
To make a donation and support the work visit the Cops for Cancer website.
