TORONTO, ON - July 26, 2014 /CNW/ - More than 200 cyclists and 100 crew will depart on Sunday, July 27, 2014 on a six day, 600 km journey from Toronto to Montreal to raise funds and awareness for people living with HIV/AIDS. The 16th Annual Friends for Life Bike Rally, presented by Scotiabank, has raised over $700,000 this year for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA).

The participants will begin their journey at Allan Gardens and will make their way along Lake Ontario and through Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa, where they will stop at the head offices of General Motors Canada to have lunch. In the afternoon, they will continue East through Bowmanville and Newcastle with a quick break at Bond Head Park on Lakeshore Road and then continue east along Lakeshore Road until arriving at the Haskill's Farm in Port Hope.

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, while for others it's the challenge and chance to have some fun. All participants 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 a seventh year as presenting sponsor of the Friends For Life Bike Rally as they celebrate their 16th anniversary," said Doug Gadsby, Branch Manager at Scotiabank's Port Hope branch. "We believe in building a bright future for everyone in our communities and the hundreds of riders who participate in this 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: 
Sunday July 27, 2014 - Toronto to Port Hope

Where: 
Great photo opportunities will be available as participants ride east along the waterfront bike path, Kingston Road, Highway 2, Lakeshore Road and at Haskill's Farm in Port Hope.

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, 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.

For more information about The Friends For Life Bike Rally and PWA, visit www.bikerally.org

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