MONTRÉAL, July 28, 2011 /CNW/ - On July 29, 2011, more than 400 dedicated cyclists and crew will arrive in Montréal, completing their annual six day trek from Toronto. This year, the Friends For Life Bike Rally, presented by Scotiabank, has raised over $1.2 million to support 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 people 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.

"We are proud to be back for the fourth year as presenting sponsor of the Bike Rally," said Josée Saint-Pierre, Scotiabank Branch Manager, Westmount. "We have been an active supporter and participant in the Friends For Life Bike Rally since its inception, and this year even more Scotiabank employees participated across Ontario and Quebec. As an employer of choice, health and well-being are very important to us and to our employees."

What: Friends for Life Bike Rally from Toronto to Montreal. Raised $1.2 Million for Toronto People With Aids Foundation

When: Friday, July 29, 2011 - Lancaster to Montreal

Where:  Arrival at Divers/Cite Berri Stage on Rue Berri (near Boulevard de Maisonneuve) between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Great photo opportunities will also be available as the cyclists ride along the Lachine Canal to Old Montréal and travel up Rue Berri towards Divers/Cite Berri Stage.  More than 300 riders will wear matching jerseys and red ribbons will adorn their helmets.

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. The Bike Rally has raised more than $7.8 million for PWA since it began in 1999. 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.