Despite his bruised face and bloodshot eye, Buddy Tavares couldn't stop smiling.

As approximately 250 protesters filed past on their way to the Kelowna RCMP detachment, Tavares reflected on his situation.

"I'm here to support everybody else -- everybody is supporting me. I was one of the lucky ones," says Tavares.

Tavares, who is still wobbly on his feet, says he was persuaded to attend the protest after 'an incredible amount of phone calls, Facebook messages and emails.'

"I think it makes a strong message. Strength in numbers."

At noon Sunday, protesters gathered in City Park where some taped 'kick me' signs to each others' backs.

From there, under the watchful eye of the RCMP, they marched through downtown to the RCMP detachment on Doyle Avenue.

Among the protesters was a former police officer, who says he had never considered participating in a rally until he saw the video of RCMP Constable Geoff Mantler kicking Buddy Tavares in the face.

"I've seen take downs, been in take downs - I've seen everything. There was absolutely no justification for this. It should be an immediate suspension without pay and termination of the job after the investigation," says the officer, who asked not to be identified.

He says RCMP members are appalled by the incident.

"I never seen anything like it, ever. Not even close."