OTTAWA, ON - June 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Making a difference to the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS is now easier than ever before.

From September 13-21, people across the country will lace up their shoes and take a stroll through the streets of their communities during the annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life. This annual event helps participants show their solidarity for the thousands of Canadians living with, affected by, and at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

"Every year, our collective steps raise funds and awareness for essential HIV programs and services in over 40 communities across Canada," said Monique Doolittle-Romas, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian AIDS Society. "We are not asking for much -- just for Canadians to do something as simple as joining a Walk, or sponsoring an individual or team -- to show support for an important cause that affects us all."

2014 marks the 18^th year of the national walk. Since its inception in 1996, the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life has raised over $40 million and has attracted well over half a million walkers.

"We are pleased to help improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS," said Alberta Cefis, Scotiabank's Executive Vice President and Head of Global Transaction Banking. "Our communities are stronger and brighter when we walk together -- so I encourage Canadians to get involved whether it's participating in the Walk, contributing donations or volunteering your time."

All proceeds generated by the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life help support services for those living with, affected by, or at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in communities nationwide.

"People with HIV and AIDS are living longer and fuller lives today than ever before, but there is still more we can do," said Ms. Doolittle-Romas. "Through education and outreach programs, local chapters across the country are helping increase prevention rates while reducing the stigma and putting an end to discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS."

To learn more about the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life, sponsor a team or an individual walker, or register for a Walk in your community, visit www.aidswalkforlife.ca.

National Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Scotiabank
Platinum Sponsor: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
Gold Sponsor: Gilead Sciences Canada Inc.
Bronze Sponsor: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Creative Sponsor: TBWA/TORONTO
Promotional Partners: Cineplex Media, Maclean's Magazine, Marketwired, Rainbow
Cinemas/Magic Lantern Theatres, The Walrus Magazine, Google Ad Grants

This year's Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life takes place across Canada on the following dates:

Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life
The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is a project of the Canadian AIDS Society in partnership with the Positive Living Society of British Columbia, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, and community-based AIDS organizations across Canada. During the national week-long event, cities and communities from across the country host Walks to raise funds for local services and programming and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. As Canada's most important HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event, the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life has now raised over $40 million for community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations since 1996 and has attracted well over half a million participants. Scotiabank continues its multi-year commitment as title sponsor for the AIDS Walk, playing a key role in expanding its promotional and fundraising capacity.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, their 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 their 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.

About the Canadian AIDS Society 
The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) is a national coalition of community-based AIDS organizations across Canada. CAS is dedicated to strengthening the response to HIV/AIDS across all sectors of society, and to enriching the lives of people and communities living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, please visit www.cdnaids.ca.

Media inquiries:
Maria Feldman 
Communications Officer, Canadian AIDS Society
613.230.3580 extension 130
mariaf@cdnaids.ca

Devinder Lamsar 
Media Communications, Scotiabank 
416.933.1171
devinder.lamsar@scotiabank.com