KAMLOOPS — After riding 400 kilometers, a procession of ambulances and nearly 50 paramedics on bikes has arrived in Kamloops.
The third annual event, ‘Tour Paramedic Ride BC‘ is raising money to put up a monument in Ottawa honouring fallen paramedics.
Throughout their four-day trip from Osoyoos, Provincial Coordinator Lindsay Kellosalmi says the group has been raising more and more money to get a tangible memorial in place.
“We have had two paramedics most recently that died in the line of duty returning from a late night transfer. Their car went off the road near Tofino,” She explains, “And we have also had paramedics die in air ambulance crashes. Day-to-day there are small risks and big risks, but they’re definitely there.”
This week’s ride has so far raised $12,000 in donations, which Kellosalmi says will pitch in to the eventual goal of $5 million.
“The ride is working towards helping out, but obviously we’re looking for some more funding from the federal government and different partners to work with,” she explains. “The ride does bring a lot of awareness to the goal of creating a monument.”
To donate, or for more information check out their website, found here.
