KINGSTON, ON - July 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Participants in the 16th Annual Friends For Life Bike Rally, presented by Scotiabank, will arrive in Kingston on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 -- day three of a six day, 600km fundraising adventure from Toronto to Montreal.

Crews will arrive at Queen's University to unload gear while Riders will begin to arrive after a morning of cycling along Loyalist Parkway to Bayridge Road, then East on Front and King to arrive at Queen's University for lunch. For the remainder of the day the participants will enjoy the sights and hospitality of Kingston and in the evening will participate in a fundraiser at Stages Nightclub.

Day 3 of the Friends For Life Bike Rally is also known as "Red Dress" Day. Participants dress in red, creating a red ribbon of cyclists as we head into Kingston. The Red Ribbon is a powerful symbol of the HIV/AIDS community, and is a visual reminder of why the Bike Rally exists.

This year's theme is "What's Your Reason?" Join us and learn about why so many people participate in the Bike Rally. For some it's to remember lost friends and loved ones. For others it's the challenge and the fun. For everyone it's to support the critical work PWA performs in the community.

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.

"Scotiabank is proud to be back for the seventh time as presenting sponsor of the Friends For Life Bike Rally, and I'm really looking forward to cheering on this year's riders as they pass through our beautiful city," said Allan Twohey, Community Branch Manager at the Wellington Street Scotiabank. "We believe that healthy communities make stronger communities, and the hundreds of riders who participate in this Bike Rally each year share in this belief. We are so thrilled to cheer them on and lend our support along their journey."

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: 
Tuesday, July 29, 2014 and Wednesday, July 30, 2014 - Adolphustown to Kingston

Where: 
There will be great photo opportunities along Loyalist Parkway to Bayridge Road, Bike Rally Crew unloading hundreds of bins at Victoria Hall, Queen's University, cyclists arriving at Queen's University, as well as the Wednesday morning departure behind a Kingston Police escort through downtown and across Lasalle Causeway. Detailed route maps are available.

About the Friends For Life Bike Rally
The Friends For Life Bike Rally will take place from July 27th 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