City councillors participated in a spin-a-thon June 7 to remind Torontonians that only seven weeks remain until the annual Friends for Life Bike Rally kicks off.
Friends for Life co-chair Tim Ledger says Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam came up with the idea as a way to get other councillors involved and raise awareness.
Wong-Tam will be cycling in this year’s bike rally, a trip from Toronto to Montreal to raise funds for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA).
Six bike mechanics were also at Nathan Phillips Square to provide free spring tune-ups, including tire and light checks.
Money raised by Friends for Life participants is critical to PWA and helps provide services to the HIV-positive community, including food programs, treatment resources and financial assistance for clients, organizers say.
This year marks the ride’s 15th anniversary. The group’s goal is to raise a record $1.4 million and recruit 375 riders. As of June 3, 352 riders and 76 crew members had registered.
To register or make a donation online, visit bikerally.org.
The ride starts Sunday, July 28 in Toronto and covers 600 kilometres in six days to end in Montreal.
Why you can trust Xtra
