TORONTO, July 19, 2011 /CNW/ - More than 400 bicycle riders and crew will begin a 600 kilometre journey from Toronto to Montreal in the 13^th Annual Friends For Life Bike Rally, presented by Scotiabank, on Sunday, July 24. Departing at 9 a.m. from Queen's Park in Toronto, the 2011 Friends For Life Bike Rally has a goal to raise $1.4 million for Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA).

The services provided by PWA are essential to many in Toronto. People who are HIV positive are living longer, but can have greater challenges. PWA's core services like food programs, treatment resources and financial assistance for men, transmen, transwomen, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in our community are more important than ever.

Scotiabank is the presenting sponsor for the Friends For Life Bike Rally, an event that has contributed more than $7.8 million in the past 12 years to support women, men, trans people and children living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto. The Bike Rally is a grassroots, volunteer-driven fundraiser that began in 1999 when two friends challenged each other to cycle from Toronto to Montreal to support PWA. Scotiabank has partnered with PWA for the past four years.

About the Friends For Life Bike Rally

The Friends For Life Bike Rally runs from July 24 - 29, 2011, with more than 400 Riders and Crew making the 600 km journey from Toronto to Montreal in support of Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. In its 13 year history the Bike Rally has raised more than $7.8 million for PWA. For more information about the Friends For Life Bike Rally please visit www.bikerally.org.

About Toronto People With AIDS Foundation

Since 1987 PWA has existed to promote the health and well being of all people living with HIV/AIDS by providing accessible, direct and practical support services. PWA is Canada's largest direct support service agency for people living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more please visit www.pwatoronto.org.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.