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The Friends for Life Bike Rally’s latest information and announcements.
NEWS RELEASE
Hundreds of cyclists complete six-day journey, raising critical funds for people living with HIV/AIDS
August 8, 2026
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MONTREAL, QC – August 8, 2026 – Hundreds of cyclists rolled into Montreal Friday after completing the Friends for Life Bike Rally, one of Canada's longest distance charity cycling events, a 600-kilometre journey from Toronto that raises critical funds to support people living with HIV/AIDS.
For 28 years, the Friends for Life Bike Rally has brought together riders, crew members, volunteers and supporters who share a common purpose: ensuring people who live with HIV/AIDS have access to the care, connection and programs and services they need to thrive.
While advances in treatment have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition for many, stigma, social isolation, rising costs of living and health inequities continue to create barriers for people living with the virus. Funds raised through the Friends for Life Bike Rally support essential programs that improve health and well-being, including financial assistance, food banks, peer support and other life-changing services.
Since 1999, the cause has raised more than $31.9million in support of AIDS Service Organizations such as the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, AIDS Community Care Montreal, Trellis HIV & Community Care in Kingston and Bruce House in Ottawa.
This year's participants included first-time riders, long-time supporters and volunteers from across Canada and the United States. Each contributed to a legacy of compassion, resilience and hope that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS – raising a record-breaking $1.9 million.
The finish line in Montreal marks the end of an extraordinary journey, but it is also a reminder that there is much more work to do.
Registration for the 2027 Friends for Life Bike Rally is now open. To learn more about the Bike Rally, to register or donate, visit bikerally.org.
QUOTES:
“The need for action is now. HIV is still a matter of life and death for thousands of people living with HIV here in Canada, and it’s at a crossroads. Over the past several years, the public health landscape has shifted significantly, putting added pressures on AIDS Service Organizations. Canada is the only G7 country with rising infections, with HIV/AIDS being a health equity issue that remains unresolved. While we have made significant medical advances to support prevention and care, scientific progress alone doesn’t end HIV/AIDS – community support does.”
– Suzanne Paddock (She/Her), Executive Director, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation
“The Friends for Life Bike Rally is powered by an incredible network of riders, crew members, volunteers and dedicated partners who believe no one living with HIV/AIDS should face their journey alone. Every kilometre ridden helps sustain life-changing services, reduce stigma and ensure people living with the virus have access to care, connection and the resources they need. As long as there’s a reason, there’s a ride.”
– Stiva Sinanan (He/Him), Co-Chair, Friends for Life Bike Rally
“The Toronto People with AIDS Foundation saved my life, and the Friends for Life Bike Rally changed it. When I was diagnosed with HIV, I felt lost and alone. The Toronto People with AIDS Foundation helped me find a way forward, and I promised myself that one day I would give back by doing the ride. Five years later, I did. Living with HIV can be isolating, but spending six days riding alongside a community committed to supporting people like me reminded me that I wasn't alone. Five years after that, I shared my HIV status publicly in the hope that someone else might feel a little less alone too.”
– Mark Keller (He/Him), cyclist and former Toronto People with AIDS Foundation client
PHOTOS:
Beneficiary Executive Directors Suzanne Paddock (Toronto People with AIDS Foundation), Anthony Johnson (AIDS Community Care Montreal), Amanda Girling (Trellis HIV Community Care), and Linda Truglia (Bruce House)
Friends for Life Bike Rally 2027 Co-Chairs, Michael Blackburn, Stiva Sinanan, and Patric Senson.
2026 Departure in Toronto (Aug. 2, 2026)
2026 Arrival in Montreal (Aug. 7, 2026)
About Friends for Life Bike Rally: Founded in 1999, the Friends for Life Bike Rally is one of the longest distance annual charity cycling events in Canada. It brings people together for an inclusive, supportive and life-changing challenge that inspires much-needed help for people living with HIV/AIDS. Funds raised by the annual charity event support three AIDS Service Organizations across Ontario and Quebec, including the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA), AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM), Trellis HIV & Community Care and Bruce House.
Stay connected: Follow the Friends for Life Bike Rally on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Proudly riding to make a positive difference.
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