PWA is proud of the incredible support from community. This past summer we hosted the first ever High Heel Strut and our 18th annual Friends For Life Bike Rally. Partcipants came together united in doing something special for PWA and had fun doing it!

High Heel Strut

This past summer during the Village BIA’s busy Circus So Gay event PWA launched a new fundraiser – the High Heel Strut –  where eight enthusiastic and energetic participants took to the streets to strut, dance, and race down Church Street while hundreds of onlookers stopped to cheer them on. Participants had great deal of fun, putting on a show, and creating a unique energy felt by the audience. Congratulation to the winner of the first High Heel Strut, Ramon Suarez!

A special thank you to the Village BIA Association, DJ extraordinaire Phil Villeneuve, our esteemed Judges, TICOT’s own Empress XXIX Morgan James, Patty Aldridge owner of “Walk on the Wild Side”, and PWA’s own board representative Rodney Rosseau.

Thank you to everyone who participated and the community of caring individuals who donated to this first-time event. Together we raised $3000.00 to support PWA’s programs and services and of course had loads of fun doing it.

PWA’s Friends For Life Bike Rally

A beautiful sunny day was the backdrop on Sunday July 24th as 309 riders and crew departed from Toronto on PWA’s Friends For Life Bike Rally. For 18 years, this unique community of volunteer riders and crew of all ages and abilities have come together for the 6-day, 600 KM journey from Toronto to Montreal. This year, we introduced a 1-Day Ride, a 108 KM ride from Toronto to Port Hope – the first day of the six day event and an introduction to the magic that is the Bike Rally. Forty-four 1-Day Riders took part and departed Allan Gardens alongside the 6-day Ride participants.

It was another remarkable year, both physically and emotionally with passionate stories of personal victories and triumphs. Together, with the encouragement and support of thousands of donors, the Bike Rally raised $1,025,000.00 – an incredible accomplishment.

“On bike pick up day I walked my bike down Church St. to meet up with some friends for coffee and talk about my experience on the ride. We sat outside and since I did not have my bike lock, we parked it alongside the bench where we sat. My bike still had the Bike Rally license plate affixed. A young man looked at my bike and came to me and tapped me on the shoulder and said, “excuse me can I ask you did you do the ride this year?” And I said, “Yes I did” and he replied, “I just want to say thank you for doing the ride.” I always feel odd when someone says that because I don’t think thanks are needed so I said, “I love doing the ride.” Then he said, “I am a PWA client and because of you I have been able to continue on with 3 programs that PWA provides me and I am doing so well. I hope to help next year with crewing.” And then he hugged me, such sweetness. I have to tell you that fighting the tears I said to myself this is why I do the ride.”      Anonymous

Throughout the year of planning, a dedicated group of Steering Committee and Team Leaders never lost sight of the Bike Rally’s importance and what makes it special. Together, they worked tirelessly to create a community where people felt welcomed and part of something greater than ‘just another fundraiser.’

Waking up to bright sunshine, birds singing, and tent zippers buzzing – these are the sights and sounds that start each day. Riders and Crew share in the morning rituals – breakfast, dismantling of tents, packing bins, loading trucks, announcements, stretch and then off we go. For Riders, it’s a picturesque visual of country roads, open fields, and blue skies. Of course you can’t forget the many dedicated crew in vehicles out on the road for support and the sweet smiles of locals who stand at the end of their driveways and on sidewalks to encourage participants as they move from town to town. Throughout the day there are break stops, lunch, sometimes flats tires, but when the day is done – what an incredible feeling of accomplishment. The afternoon and evening ritual of setting up camp, dinner, and socializing is a sweet reward. It’s also a time to rest and reflect – to think about the day’s accomplishment, the cause and your reasons for participating. Regardless of an individual reason this community of special people are united in changing the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS, and that is what sets the Bike Rally apart.

We look forward to the 19th year and all the life-changing moments that lie ahead. Whether you join for the incredible scenery or physical and mental challenges you can expect a journey unlike any other. It is only through the generosity from a community that continues to support PWA that we can together, make a positive difference.

If you are ready to help change the life of someone living with HIV/AIDS, get involved with the Bike Rally. Join us on this incredible journey by signing up as a Rider or Crew or sponsor a participant.