Media Advisory - Photo Opportunity

16th Annual Friends For Life Bike Rally to Pedal Across Durham in Support of Toronto People With AIDS Foundation

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