TORONTO, July 21 /CNW/ - On July 25, 2010, hundreds of cyclists will stream through the streets of Toronto, beginning their annual six-day trek to Montreal. The Friends For Life Bike Rally, presented by Scotiabank, will raise over $1 million this year for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation.

Michael Cress, Co-Chair of the Bike Rally and also HIV positive, says the need of services for people living with HIV/AIDS is becoming greater. "Each year, more people are becoming infected with HIV and at the same time people who are living longer with HIV are seeing greater health complications. There is a growing need for PWA's core services like food programs, treatment resources and financial assistance for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in our community."

Sunday, July 25, 2010 - Queen's Park, Toronto
        8:00 a.m.   Departure Ceremony Begins and Group Photographs
        8:30 a.m.   Introduction by Co Chairs Michael Cress and Wade Borges
                    Remarks by Cory Garlough, Scotiabank; Brian Scott, PWA
                    Board Chair
        8:40 a.m.   Blessing of the Bikes - Rev John Joseph Mastandrea,
                    Metropolitan United Church
        8:45 a.m.   Group Stretching
        9:00 a.m.   Departure

Great photo opportunities will be available as the cyclists ride east on Wellesley Street, south on Yonge Street and east on Queen's Quay. See detailed accompanying route map: http://www.newswire.ca/webcast/pages/scotia/Day1morningrider.pdf

"Scotiabank is proud to return for the third year as the presenting sponsor of the Bike Rally," said Cory Garlough, Vice-President, Global Employment Strategies, Scotiabank. "In addition to our corporate support, we have a number of employees who will participate by cycling, fundraising and volunteering at the many stops along the route."

About the Friends For Life Bike Rally

The Friends For Life Bike Rally runs from July 25 - 30, 2010, with over 400 Riders and Crew making the 600 km journey from Toronto to Montreal in support of the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA). The Bike Rally has raised over $7 million for PWA since it began in 1999. For more information about the Friends For Life Bike Rally in support of Toronto People With AIDS, please visit www.bikerally.org.

About the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation

PWA exists to promote the health and well being of all people living with HIV/AIDS by providing accessible and practical support services. PWA is Canada's largest direct support service agency for people living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more, visit: www.pwatoronto.org

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2009 the Bank provided about $39 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com