Friends For Life Bike Rally
The Friends For Bike Rally, a 6-day, 600 km bike ride from Toronto to Montréal, saw 129 dedicated riders depart July 30th on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. Alongside 52 One day riders joining us for the 110 km bike ride from Toronto to Port Hope the departure was truly a family event. With strong support from our “Family of HIV”, PWA staff, clients, and volunteers,the journey began. This small but mighty group together raised $890,000 in support of PWA. Now looking ahead to its 20th year, the Bike Rally has engaged over 5000 participant as cyclists and crew and has raised over $15 million dollars for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA).
Dozens of dedicated volunteers began planning this year’s ride soon after returning from the prior year’s event. Steering committee members and Team Leaders worked alongside PWA staff dedicating countless hours to ensure everything was organized and the experience was impactful for all participants. The theme “It takes a Village” truly embodied the commitment and spirit of those involved. A united group of volunteers dedicated to making a difference for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The 6-Day Ride is a week-long adventure Participants of all fitness levels and a love of cycling and the outdoors who truly love their Bike Rally experience. New friendships were established and you are part of a community committed to collectively contributing to providing positive change for people living with HIV/AIDS. Riders rode through beautiful towns and cities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The Bike Rally has been doing this for so long that it is not uncommon for residents along the route come out and cheer us on as we pass through their communities.
The amazing 1-day experience gave participants a taste of what the Bike Rally is all about, fully supported with crew cheering you on, keeping you fueled, and making sure you arrive in Port Hope to celebrate an incredible day. The arrival in Port Hope at the beautiful Haskill cliff-top property overlooking Lake Ontario was a perfect end to a physical and emotional day.
The Bike Rally could not have happened without our dedicated Crew who generally work long days. Your journey was made easier because the Crew were hard at work to ensure your route was well marked; breaks, lunch and dinner are ready on-time; your gear arrived at our final destination each day; and you had access to Wellness treatments to help you recover.
Bike Rally Participants of all ages share a common passion in supporting their friends, family and neighbours living with HIV/AIDS and raising critical funds for PWA.
PWA is the largest practical support service provider in Canada serving people living with HIV/AIDS. Funds raised through the Bike Rally ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS get access to programs and services that nourish their whole self in a welcoming and healing space. The Bike Rally is the sustaining fundraiser for PWA supporting its ability to provide critical services and support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto.
The journey continues as we look ahead to The Friends For Life Bike Rally’s 20th Anniversary. The committees are formed, the planning has begun as the excitement builds. It is truly remarkable that this event has existed for 20 years; as does the need to support. The countless lives touched through the experience on the Friends For Life Bike Rally has built incredible relationships and highlighted this special community of donors and participants. Together we can make a positive difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.
For more information on how to be involved go to www.bikerally.org and be part of something remarkable and life changing for so many.
“I do the Bike Rally because I know how important the work is that the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation does.”
“The Bike Rally encourages you to get out on the road and do something you think you can’t do…but you can!”
