Media Advisory - Photo Opportunity

Hundreds of Cyclists to Ride Through the Seaway Valley Region to Raise Funds and Awareness for People Living With HIV/AIDS

CORNWALL, ON--(Marketwired - July 31, 2014) - More than 200 cyclists and 100 crew will pedal through the Seaway Valley Region on Thursday, July 31, 2014 - day five of a six day, 600 km journey from Toronto to Montreal to raise funds and awareness for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The riders, supported by a crew of more than 100 volunteers, will begin their journey in Toronto on Sunday, July 27, 2014. They will leave Johnstown the morning of Thursday, July 31, 2014 and head East across Ontario's Kings Highway into Morrisburg, continuing to Long Sault Parkway and stopping at Mille Roche Island for lunch. In the afternoon, the riders will continue East into Cornwall and then to South Lancaster for 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 as presenting sponsor of the Friends For Life Bike Rally, and I'm really looking forward to welcoming this year's riders to our beautiful city," said Tina Lamarche, Branch Manager of Scotiabank's Brookdale Avenue branch in Cornwall. "This Bike Rally is such a great event for the community, while helping to raise money for a great cause. We are thrilled to cheer on all the riders 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:
Thursday, July 31, 2014 - Johnstown to Lancaster

Where:
Great photo opportunities will be available along Kings Highway, Long Sault Parkway, Cornwall, Lancaster Dairy Queen as cyclists finish their day and Glengarry campground arrival.