Hundreds of thousands of charitable dollars and countless kilometres later, a proud group of Windsor-Essex Motorcycle enthusiasts are still On a Mission for the Mission.
Across Windsor and Essex County, area bikers have been ganging up against hunger.
What began as a shared passion for motorcycle riding has brought a broader community together to address hunger. For nearly two decades, the charitable organization On a Mission for the Mission has provided meaningful financial support to local foodbanks, helping countless area residents navigate food insecurity.
The Drive spoke with Shaun Fathers, president, and Shane Nespolon, event coordinator, in the wake of On a Mission’s eighteenth major fundraising ride.
While On a Mission, a registered charity, is proud to support the Downtown Mission—it’s right there in the name—the two organizations have no formal affiliation. Over nearly twenty years since its inauguration, On a Mission has expanded to bolster several other critical community supports. “We raise money for all food banks in Essex County,” says Nespolon, “to make sure nobody in our community goes hungry.”
This September, On a Mission presented cheques totalling more than $27,000 to area food banks. The Downtown Mission received $10,000, the Windsor Youth Centre $4,750, and the Kingsville Community Food Bank $5,250. A further $3,750 each went to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Banks in Harrow and Leamington.
“We do whatever we can to help people in need,” says Fathers, who has been involved with On a Mission for eight years. “And the need is growing. I’ve seen the way things have gotten over that time; it’s not getting any better.” Fathers cites rolling shutdowns and layoffs across the automotive sector as major sources of economic instability—and so food insecurity—in Windsor-Essex. “I have a good job,” explains Fathers, a full-time Stellantis employee, “but some people aren’t so lucky, and those are the ones struggling. When you meet those people, the reality is driven home. At least with us keeping the shelves stocked at the food banks, it removes that aspect, that worry.”
On a Mission was founded in 2008 when Willie Milligan organized the first iteration of what is now its flagship annual event, a group motorcycle run from Windsor deep into Essex County. Four years ago, after several eras of leadership and a few changes in direction, the club’s official membership had dwindled to three. Fathers rallied a team of regulars to help orchestrate that year’s ride and, eventually, assemble a board of directors. On a Mission became a registered charitable organization in June 2024 after a months-long process of formalization. As president, Fathers now heads a nine-person board of directors which meets monthly.
These days, On a Mission is a year-round concern. Between May and September, Fathers and his team hold weekly “bike night” socials at area restaurants. Every Wednesday, the community meets for a dinner followed by a 50-50 draw; half the proceeds contribute to the charity’s coffers. This community includes Fathers, other board members, and active contributors to On a Mission but also friends, well-wishers, and members of the wider public—even if they’ve arrived at the restaurant on four wheels.
On a Mission still holds an Annual Charity Run the week before Labour Day on the last Sunday in August. This year’s ride departed from Chuck’s Roadhouse in Tecumseh and made its way (via three Legions in Windsor, Essex, and Kingsville) to Colchester Bar and Grill, where participants enjoyed a steak dinner donated by Elaine’s Farm Market, Bradley’s Potatoes, and the establishment itself. Other sponsors included Unifor Locals 200, 444, and 2458, Chuck’s, Powell Fence, and Melady Funeral Home.
The Annual Biker Breakfast, a 20-years-strong community event, happens on the first Sunday in January. Held at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, it’s known to attract upwards of 300 hungry participants.
On a Mission operated a donation-based charity photo booth at this year’s Hogs for Hospice, Leamington’s major three-day motorcycle rally and music festival. Fathers and company are currently assembling a charity calendar from the photos.
On Saturday, November 28, the group will stage a new concert event called “Legends Live” at the Serbian Centre. The dinner-and-show promises live tributes to Bryan Adams, Freddie Mercury, Cher, and Bob Seger from a popular touring act that bills itself as “Michigan and Ontario’s #1 Tribute Show.”
Outside major initiatives, community fundraising events include cornhole tournaments, charity barbecues, and a motorcycle show.
While On a Mission is born of a small group of local motorcycle enthusiasts, it’s worked hard over the years to build a bigger tent and invite in members of the broader public. “Everyone is welcome to come and partake in everything we do,” stresses Fathers.
“Motorcycle culture is where it originated, but we didn’t want to pigeonhole ourselves,” adds Nespolon, who notes the annual ride is now a “poker run” open to participants using various means of transportation. “A lot of our events are still geared around the riding community, but we are opening it up while keeping our roots.”
That said, Fathers is proud to head an organization that works to fight the stigmatization of motorcycle culture as it battles food insecurity. “Look at what everyday riders do for the community when they come together,” says Fathers, citing Hogs for Hospice specifically. “A lot of people look at clubs with patches and insignia on their back and think they’re all criminals; that’s TV. It couldn’t be farther from the truth!”
On a Mission for the Mission asks able Windsor-Essex residents—whatever their preferred mode of transportation—to join the cause. Sponsors, one-time donors, and volunteers are always welcomed. For more information, consult onamissionforthemission.com. The charity also maintains an active Facebook page.
Alternatively, “Just come to the bike night,” encourages Fathers, inviting anybody who can make it to the Tecumseh location of Chuck’s Roadhouse every Wednesday evening. “We’re very open and very welcoming to any support we can get.
“The 50-50 is at 7:30!”
