PORT HOPE, ON - July 27, 2014 /CNW/ - More than 200 cyclists and 100 crew will make their way through Northumberland and Prince Edward County on Monday, July 28, 2014 -- day two of a six-day, 600km 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).

Participants will leave Port Hope the morning of Monday, July 28, 2014 and head East across Northumberland County and into Prince Edward County where they will stop for lunch at Henderson House. They will continue East through Picton and across the Glenora Ferry to Adolphustown, where they will spend the evening.

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 a seventh year as presenting sponsor of the Friends For Life Bike Rally, which celebrates its 16th anniversary this year," said Mark Carrothers, Scotiabank Community Manager, Northumberland. "We believe that healthy communities make stronger communities, and the hundreds of riders who participate in this Bike Rally each year share this belief. We will be cheering them on and wish them every success 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:
Monday July 28, 2014 - Port Hope to Adolphustown

Where:
Great photo opportunities will be available in the morning through Port Hope and Cobourg, throughout the day on the county roads, at the Henderson House in Consecon, downtown Picton and arriving on the Glenora Ferry. Detailed route maps are available.

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

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