Be inspired

30 second video for the 15th anniversary ride 2013

7 minute video showing the origins of the rally.

This video contains personal testimonials some may find emotional/upsetting

30 minute documentary video of the 2012 rally - a must watch if you are thinking of joining us on the 600km ride

About PWA

People living with HIV/AIDS face complex health, economic and social challenges. Viral progression and the episodic nature of associated illnesses, along with the financial, psychological, emotional and social challenges that often accompany HIV/AIDS, can have a significant impact on the life of an individual. These challenges can be completely overwhelming.

The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) is a safe place to express those concerns and a place where practical information and support services are available. We're here to help.

PWA is the largest direct support service agency for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. There are more than 15,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto; this represents approximately one quarter of Canada's HIV-positive population. Last year alone, we provided over 62,000 unique services to more than 2,000 individuals.

Since 1987, PWA has been helping men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Our response is inspired by the voices and experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation offers a welcoming space to connect with others, access practical support services, and get assistance to navigate the sometimes complex system of care required.

The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation exists to promote the health and well-being of all people living with HIV/AIDS by providing accessible, direct and practical support services.

Essentials Market

The PWA Essentials Market is the only food bank in Toronto that exclusively serves people living with HIV/AIDS. Clients can access the Essentials Market two times in a month. The Essentials Market offers (depending on availability) staple food items such as bread, milk, fresh produce, cereal, canned goods and baking supplies, as well as pet food.

We do our best to cater to special needs: we have a family box and baby items, and we're happy to accommodate special diets based on what we have available.

Food for Life

The Food for Life program is a meal delivery program for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS who cannot shop and prepare their own meals. It ensures that those recovering from an AIDS-related illness or those experiencing mobility restrictions receive one prepared meal every day-providing a stable source of nutrition. Each week over 100 people living with HIV/AIDS receive Food for Life meals. It is the only meal program in Toronto to exclusively serve people living with HIV/AIDS.

Food for Life is a fee-for-service program, with clients paying a nominal amount to access the service. PWA pays the balance of the cost for meals. Fees are based on income, and no one is denied the service due to financial hardship.

Benefits assistance

PWA offers income support through our Benefits & Assistance Program. Clients are assigned a Benefits Assistance Case Manager, who helps them to manage the costs of living with HIV/AIDS.

Our case managers provide benefits and financial counselling, financial assistance for uninsured medical costs, return to work consultations, help with applying to government income programs such as Ontario Disability Supports Program, Ontario Works, Medical Employment Insurance, as well as referrals and basic needs counselling.

Financial Assistance

PWA's Financial Assistance program helps alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with living with HIV/AIDS. The program reimburses clients for uninsured medical and treatment costs, supplements government income benefits for people applying for long-term disability programs and assists with the costs of care for HIV-positive children.