PWA Friends For Life Bike Rally Cycles Through Leeds-Grenville on July 27

JOHNSTOWN, ON--(Marketwired - July 25, 2016) - Over 250 riders and crew will be cycling for six days, during their 600 km journey to Montréal in PWA's Friends For Life Bike Rally in support of the Toronto PWA.

Assisted by a volunteer crew, riders left Toronto on the morning of Sunday, July 24, and will cycle from Queen's University in Kingston to Johnstown to end their 4^th day of cycling. The Bike Rally will arrive in Montréal 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. Through its global philanthropic program, the Bank responds to local needs at a grassroots level to help build stronger communities.

"We believe in supporting our communities, which is why we are proud to be back as the presenting sponsor of the Friends For Life Bike Rally," said Martine Laviolette, District Vice President of the St. Lawrence District at Scotiabank. "We look forward to cheering on the riders on this special trip as they raise awareness and funds for Canadians living with HIV/AIDS."

Photo opportunities

Photo opportunities will be available throughout the day as riders and crew continue on their six-day cycling journey to Montréal.

When: Wednesday, July 27
Where: From Queen's University, Kingston to Johnstown
Time: From 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants will be travelling east from Queen's University in Kingston to Johnstown with the following scheduled stops:

8:30 a.m. Depart - Queen's University (Near Leggett Hall), Kingston
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Break 1 - Gananoque Town Park, 30 King St. E, Gananoque
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch - Brown's Bay Park, 1000 Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Break 2 - Armagh S. Price Park, end of Ferry Street, Brockville
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Camp - Grenville Park Campground, 2323 County Road 2, Johnstown

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.