Cops for Kids received the single largest donation it has seen in its 15 year history Monday morning.
Al and Irene Hildebrandt donated $100,000 to the charity, which helps support families whose children need advanced medical attention. Al Hildebrandt retired earlier this year from the company he founded, QHR Technologies Inc, with plans of giving back to his community.
“Cops for kids is very special to me,” he said. “The team of RCMP members who go above and beyond to help children who need it most is what inspires me to give in the way I can, which is by giving financially.”
Hildebrandt first became involved with Cops for Kids four years ago, and president Gail Harrison recalled she immediately saw his enthusiasm for helping children at their first meeting. The donation is the largest Cops for Kids has ever received, surpassing a $30,000 donation that was made earlier this year. Combined with the rest of the donations for this year, and Cops for Kids is about $15,000 shy of reaching $500,000 for the year, which is a huge new benchmark for the charity.
As a police officer himself for six years in the 70’s, Hildebrandt’s background in policing is what initially drew him to the charity. However, it was the impact he saw it was making that kept him involved with it, ultimately leading to the donation.
“We’ve been supporting Cops for Kids for four years now,” he described. “Irene and I wanted to make a meaningful gift, and as tomorrow is Giving Tuesday across Canada, we thought it was the perfect time to donate to such an impactful and well-managed charity. I personally challenge others to take the time and give in the was that they’re able.”
Cops for Kids is known for its signature 1,000km cycling fundraiser every September, and donations to next year’s fundraiser can already be made at copsforkids.org.
