TORONTO, ON - July 26, 2014 /CNW/ -

What:
16^th Annual Friends For Life Bike Rally Departs from Toronto and Begins Six Day Journey to Montreal

When:
Sunday July 27, 2014 
From 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Where:
Allan Gardens, Toronto

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 and hillsides at the mercy of summer weather. On Sunday, July 27, almost 300 bike riders and volunteer crew will be doing just that as they set off on the 16^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 Allan Gardens in Toronto and wrapping up in Montreal on Friday, August 1. The 2014 Friends For Life Bike Rally raises money for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA) and raises awareness about HIV/AIDS.

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.

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

Departure Morning Schedule on July 27:

The 2014 Bike Rally will pass through the following communities:

July 27: Toronto, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, Clarington, Port Hope;
July 28: Port Hope, Cobourg, Colbourne, Brighton, Consecon, Picton, Adolphustown;
July 29: Adolphustown, Bath, Amherstview, Kingston;
July 30: Kingston, Gananoque, Mallorytown, Brockville, Maitland, Prescott, Johnstown;
July 31: Johnstown, Cardinal, Iroquois, Morrisburg, Long Sault, Cornwall, Lancaster;
August 1: Lancaster, Riviere-Beaudette, Couteau du Lac, Notre Dame de l'lle Perrot, Beaconsfield, Dorval, Montreal.

About the Friends For Life Bike Rally
The Friends For Life Bike Rally will take place from July 27 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, visitwww.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