Co-chair fundraising letter 2023

As long as there’s a reason, there’s a ride, and this year is no different. Let's reach our goals together!

Riders and Crew are part of the Friends for Life Bike Rally and share this remarkable journey with us. Your contributions mean so much.

We’re just two weeks away from the Rally and we have a large fundraising goal of $1.8 million. The goal is high because there is more need than ever this year, as the cost of food and living has directly impacted the amount of donated food PWA receives each week.

What used to be six pallets of food for the Essentials Market has been reduced to two. This means PWA has to buy food to fill the gap, which in turn has gotten more expensive. Also, the demand for the agency’s income support has multiplied in the past few months. The community is struggling, and they’re looking to Rally for help. PWA, ACCM and Trellis need our support!

For the next 3 weeks until we arrive in Montreal, we'll be encouraging you to fundraise as much as you can, and we've developed a new toolkit to help you, which you can preview here.

Living with HIV has changed over the years, but it is still a matter of life or death. It can have financial burdens, including the cost of medications and ongoing health issues. People experience social isolation, mental health issues, and ongoing stigma because of HIV and AIDS.

In the weeks ahead, as we strive to hit our fundraising goals, here’s how you can help:

When you hit your goal, keep going. The more we raise, the more we can do for people living with HIV/AIDS. If you are struggling, know that we have support that will enable you to get there. For 25 years, the Bike Rally has shared a meaningful and necessary story that touches the hearts of people who want to give back. Let’s share our story and turn that narrative into financial impacts that will change lives.

We know from experience that this community of passionate and caring people is strong, impactful, and can do amazing things together. From its humble beginnings in 1999, when a small group chose to do a daring and unique thing we have grown, seeing more people continue to do an extraordinary thing. Time and time again, this community steps up. We’re strong, resilient, passionate, and dedicated to helping others. And at our core, we have a meaningful story to tell and the capacity to make a difference.

As long as there’s a reason, there’s a ride, and now more than ever, we have a reason.