Media Advisory - Media Event and Photo Opportunity

Departure of the 16th Annual Friends For Life Bike Rally in Support of the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - July 26, 2014) -

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:

	8:00 a.m.	Departure Ceremony begins and Group Photographs
	8:30 a.m.	Welcome by Co Chairs, Kevin Wolfley and Allan Hooey Raffle Draw Remarks by: Cory Garlough, Scotiabank Murray Jose-Boerbridge, PWA Executive Director