On July 24, 2016, more than 400 riders and crew will embark on either a 6-day, 600km journey from Toronto to Montreal or a 1-day ride 108 km ride from Toronto to Port Hope to support the PWA's ability to provide critical services and support to individuals living with HIV and AIDS in Toronto. Now in its 18th year, PWA's Friends For Life Bike Rally is the sustaining fundraiser for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA).
1 in 120 people living in Toronto is infected with HIV. People living with HIV are more likely to experience loss of employment, food, financial and housing insecurity, and social isolation. PWA is the largest practical support service agency of its kind in Canada serving over 2900 people annually providing practical support services such as food, financial assistance, treatment access, health and therapeutic care services, and personal growth opportunities.
The Friends For Life Bike Rally is PWA's sustaining fundraiser. The Bike Rally engages hundreds of participants each year who dedicate thousands of hours volunteering and training for the 6-day and 1-day events. The Bike Rally raises on average $1-million dollars for the agency, covering important costs associated with the planning and delivery of critical programs and services that help people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Bike Rally continues to raise critical funds, engage people at all levels - participants, donors, supporters - and assist in addressing stigma related to HIV/AIDS. Over 3400 individuals have participated in the Bike Rally. One third of these participants are clients of PWA. In addition, over 10,000 individual donations are received annually. The Bike Rally continues to be the largest fundraiser of it's kind in Canada, assisting PWA in serving 2900 individuals living with HIV/AIDS annually.
