Press Release
TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2024 — This Sunday, December 1, on World AIDS Day, and the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week, the 27th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally launches its Holiday Season Fundraising Campaign. As local AIDS Service Organizations see a significant increase in demand for their life-changing services, the fundraiser aims to raise $50,000 in December – a month of generosity and giving from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
The Friends for Life Bike Rally is Canada’s longest-distance annual charity cycling event from Toronto to Montreal, raising funds for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA), AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM) and Trellis HIV & Community Care (formerly HIV/AIDS Regional Services – Kingston) to support to those living with HIV/AIDS and fight stigma. The upcoming Friends for Life Bike Rally aims to raise a total of $1.8M by the end of its next charity ride that runs from August 3 to 8, 2025.
Recent research shows that an estimated 1,833 new HIV infections occurred in Canada in 2022. This means that almost five people were infected with HIV in Canada every day. These are new infections that do not account for newcomers to Canada, immigrating with HIV – a population that makes up a large portion of new community members seeking HIV related services. Thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS rely on the vital services offered by PWA, ACCM and Trellis such as:
Unfortunately, on October 4, 2024, PWA – Canada’s largest – was forced to temporarily close its Financial Assistance Program until March 2025 due to the increased demand caused by inflation and the rise in cost of living. The agency has also reported a substantial increased demand for access to its food bank and essentials market services. Services offered by PWA, ACCM and Trellis ensure our at-risk communities have access to the resources they need to improve their health outcomes.
The Friends for Life Bike Rally and its volunteers, cyclists, and crew invite new and returning donors to show some extra generosity, compassion and understanding this holiday season. Your support for charitable causes that matter to you creates a ripple effect, spreading hope and making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Together, we can help foster positive change for those in need. These people could be your friends, family, loved ones, neighbours and/or colleagues.
Next Tuesday, December 3, also marks Giving Tuesday, the world’s largest generosity movement and opportunity to unleash the power of people to transform communities. Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts. Those who are able are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends for Life Bike Rally.
Here’s how you can make an impact:
To learn more about the Friends for Life Bike Rally, visit BikeRally.org.
Quotes:
“On World AIDS Day on December 1 or Giving Tuesday on December 3, also known as the “opening day of giving season,” we invite folks to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS and make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends for Life Bike Rally. Your generosity over the holidays will help support the life-changing services offered by PWA, ACCM, and Trellis. When we work together, we ensure community members can access much-needed support, and build a stronger, more resilient community.”
– Ariel Benibgui (He/Him), Co-Chair, Friends for Life Bike Rally
“Each and every year, we proudly ride to make a positive difference because of /AIDS behind. The magic of the Bike Rally is magnificent. It’s a force and power of love, truth and healing where we care for the family of HIV/AIDS. Your donations make sure that clients can pay for things like their transit fare to access programs and services, the money to fix a broken phone, or ensure they get language support for essential health care so they can communicate with their doctor, and so much more.”
– Suzanne Paddock (She/Her), Executive Director, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA)
“As a community member, the financial assistance I’ve received has been more than just support, it’s been a lifeline. It’s meant having the resources to get to essential appointments, access nutritious food and feel a sense of dignity and belonging. Your generosity doesn’t just provide services… It transforms lives, strengthens our community and gives people like me the opportunity to thrive.”
– Anonymous Community member, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA)
Quick Facts:
Media Inquiries:
media@bikerally.org
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