MONTREAL, QC - August 01, 2014 /CNW/ - Having spent an average of 24 hours in the saddle, and burning approximately 16,000 calories each, more than 200 cyclists and 100 crew will finally arrive in Montreal's historic Old Port on August 1, 2014 -- the final day of a six day, 600 km journey from Toronto to Montreal to raise funds and awareness for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The riders, supported by a crew of more than 100 volunteers, will begin their journey in Toronto on Sunday, July 27, 2014. They will leave South Lancaster in Ontario on Friday morning, heading quickly across the Quebec Border, and towards the outskirts of the island of Montreal. After lunch on Notre-Dame-de-l'ile-Perrot, the cyclists will continue to Parc Canal Lachine where they will rendezvous before making the final stretch in a single file 'ribbon' to Jacques Cartier Pier in the Montreal Old Port.

The Bike Rally began in 1999 with 25 riders who raised $44,800 and 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 $11 million over the course of the last 16 years, funds that are critically important for 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.

Once again, Scotiabank has returned as presenting sponsor of the Bike Rally 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.

"Congratulations to all the cyclists, volunteers and PWA for another successful Friends for Life Bike Rally -- and welcome to Montreal," said Laurence Levy, Scotiabank's District Vice President of Montreal and East District. "Scotiabank is proud to be presenting sponsor of this event through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, to help raise much needed awareness about HIV/AIDS."

What: 
16th Annual Friends For Life Bike Rally Travels from Toronto to Montreal to Raise Over $1 million for the Toronto People With Aids Foundation

When: 
Friday, August 1, 2014 - Lancaster to Montreal

Where: 
Great Photo Opportunities as the Cyclists form up into a single file chain wearing matching cycling jerseys as we head along the Lachine Canal to Jacques Cartier Pier in the Old Port of Montreal.

About the Friends For Life Bike Rally
The Friends For Life Bike Rally will take place from July 27^th to August 1, 2014, with more than 300 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 $11 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 a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

Media Contacts:
Kevin Wolfley
Friends For Life Bike Rally
(647-204-7348
cochairs@bikerally.org

Allan Hooey
Friends For Life Bike Rally
416-823-6125
cochairs@bikerally.org


Patric Senson
Friends For Life Bike Rally
416-562-5457
media@bikerally.org

Louis-Philippe Deslauriers
Friends For Life Bike Rally
416-660-7351
media@bikerally.org


Murray Jose
PWA
Executive Director
416-506-1400 ext. 218
mjose@pwatoronto.org

Mike Twamley
PWA
Interim Director, Philanthropy and Communications
416-895-9033
mtwamley@pwatoronto.org

Devinder Lamsar
Scotiabank Media Communications
416-933-1171
devinder.lamsar@scotiabank.com