PWA's Friends For Life Bike Rally Cycles Through Durham Region -- Sunday, July 24

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - July 22, 2016) - Over 250 riders and crew will be cycling for six days during a 600 km journey to Montréal in PWA's Friends For Life Bike Rally in support of the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA). Joining them this year, will be nearly 50 riders participating in a 1-day, 108 km ride to Port Hope.

Supported by a volunteer crew, riders will leave Allan Gardens in Toronto on the morning of Sunday, July 24, and cycle through the southern portion of Durham Region and into Port Hope. Those riders continuing on the journey to Montréal will arrive there on the afternoon of Friday, July 29.

This year, the Bike Rally is expected to raise over $1 million for PWA. The largest AIDS fundraiser of its kind in Canada, the annual event has raised over $14 million over its 18-year history and has become the sustaining fundraiser for the Toronto agency. PWA is the largest direct support service provider for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada, providing such services as meal and food programs, treatment and therapy programs, and financial assistance.

Scotiabank returns as presenting sponsor of the Bike Rally for the 9^th year.

"Giving back to our communities is important to us at Scotiabank, which is why we're proud to lend our support to PWA's Friends For Life Bike Rally," said Sherri Bebee, Branch Manager, Port Hope Branch at Scotiabank. "This dedicated, enthusiastic group of riders is raising both money and awareness for an important cause. We ask the community to join us in cheering them along as they pass through Port Hope."

Photo opportunities

Photo opportunities will be available throughout the day as riders and crew continue on their life changing journey.

What: PWA's Friends For Life Bike Rally
When: Sunday, July 24
Where: From Allan Gardens in Toronto to Port Hope
Time: From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Participants will be travelling east from Allan Gardens in Toronto through Durham Region to Port Hope with the following scheduled stops:

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Break 1 - East Point Park, Scarborough
10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch - Lakeview Park, Oshawa
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Break 2 - Bond Head Parkette, Bond Head
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Camp - Haskills' Farm, 4864 Lakeshore Road, Port Hope

About PWA's Friends For Life Bike Rally

PWA's Friends For Life Bike Rally originated as a 6-day, 600 km bike ride from Toronto to Montréal. New for this year, the Bike Rally has added a 1-day, 108 km bike ride from Toronto to Port Hope. Now in its 18^th year, the Bike Rally is the sustaining fundraiser for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) supporting its ability to provide critical services and support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto. To learn more, visit www.bikerally.org.