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(Vancouver, B.C.) - The road to recovery for BC's sick children just got a little bit closer last week. From September 7 to 9, nine Re/Max Realtors put their endurance to the test by cycling an average of seven hours per day from Chilliwack to Kelowna. The ride raised over $12,000 in pledges for the BC Children's Hospital and The Children's Miracle Network.

"Their generous support will help us to continue to provide quality care for children at a time when the healthcare system is facing budget shortfalls," says Stephanie Huehn, Fundraising Manager of BC Children's Hospital. "Thanks to the enthusiasm of these Realtors, we are even closer to reaching our goals." Sun, blue skies and gusting winds accompanied the ambitious group during their 370 km journey on the Hope-Princeton Highway. When they reached the Westbank, the Re/Max team was greeted by a crowd of locals - many of who formed a parade and cheered them into Kelowna. One special participant was a little girl named Erin Oliver who rode in the back of a convertible alongside the cyclists.

"Erin suffered from Crone's Disease and had her intestine, appendix and gall bladder removed," says Realtor and fundraiser Frank Wright. "When she sang a heart-felt song to thank us for our efforts, it brought tears to my eyes. Courageous children like her reinforce just how special the gift of good health is and how insignificant my daily gripes are."

The team exceeded their original goal of $10,000 and hope to make this trip an annual event. In the last year, Re/Max Realtors in BC contributed over $100,000 to the BC Children's Hospital. The following organizations were generous sponsors: TD Bank & Trust, The Real Estate Weekly, Plowright Printing, Mark-Rite Signs, Pillar to Pillar Post Inspections and Realtor Paul Belhumeur for the bottled water. Re/Max offices in Chilliwack, Hope, Princeton, Penticton and Westbank provided meals and local radio stations promoted the journey en route.

Realtors are active fundraisers and volunteers throughout the year and this tour is but one example of their extensive community involvement. Through their affiliation with the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and their own realty offices, they volunteer their time and energy to improve the well-being of the communities where they work and live.