TORONTO, July 25, 2013 /CNW/ - How far is 600 km? Imagine running up and down the CN Tower 1,085 times. Now, imagine traveling that distance on a bicycle- along community streets & hillsides at the mercy of summer weather. On Sunday July 28, over 400 bike riders and volunteer crew will be doing just that as they set off on the 15^th annual Friends For Life Bike Rally, presented by Scotiabank, in support of the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. Covering a distance of over 600km from Toronto to Montreal, participants will be departing at 9:00 a.m. from Queen's Park in Toronto and wrapping up in Montreal on Friday, August 2.  The 2013 Friends For Life Bike Rally raises money for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA) and raises awareness about HIV/AIDS.

What began in 1999, with 25 riders and $44,800 raised, has now become the largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser of its kind in Canada, and PWA's sustaining fundraiser.  The Bike Rally has raised more than $10 million over the course of the last 15 years, funds that are critical in enabling PWA to provide direct support services, such as food programs, treatment resources and financial assistance to the men, transmen, transwomen, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in the GTA.

With the largest number of participants ever in the event's 15-year history, the Friends For Life Bike Rally has built a fantastic legacy.  This is the year to come and celebrate our success.  We will hear remarks from several prominent community members and leaders, including, Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam who joins us as a fourth year participant, and the Honourable Glen Murray, Transportation Minister for Ontario, who was a participant the past two years.

Scotiabank returns for the sixth year as presenting sponsor through its global philanthropic program, Bright Future. The program focuses on responding to local needs at a grassroots level where a stronger impact can be made to benefit communities.

Media are invited to attend the departure ceremony as the Riders and Crew start their journey from Toronto to Montreal.

Departure Morning Schedule:

Great photo opportunities will be available as the cyclists ride east on Wellesley Street, north on Parliament Street and east on Danforth Avenue.

About the Friends for Life Bike Rally
The Friends For Life Bike Rally will take place from July 28 to August 2, 2013, with close to 500 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 more than $10 million for PWA since it began in 1999. For more information about the Friends For Life Bike Rally please visit www.bikerally.org.

About the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA)
The Toronto People with AIDS Foundation is the largest direct support service agency of its kind for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. PWA engages people living with HIV/AIDS in enhancing their health and wellbeing through practical and therapeutic support services and broader social change, and inspires them to live into their dreams and discoveries. PWA aims to enhance awareness, resilience, strength and knowledge among the members of its immediate community and in the broader social world.  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, 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 $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations; Scotiabank