The Warriors Motorcycle Club brought a little Christmas spirit to the Elgin Street Mission on November 27. Dressed in jeans and some of them tattooed to the neck, the group served Wednesday night dinner and brought dessert.
Many of the Mission's patrons were served coffee by Club Secretary Alain Gareau before sitting down to eat. The bikers brought kindness and cheer, and diners seemed both open and curious about their presence.
The Warriors Motorcycle Club began in Sudbury this summer. It's a diverse group of bikers that includes retirees, business owners and half of the members present at the mission were said to be Indigenous.
At Christmas time, and year-round, the club says one of their ultimate goals would be to give back to the Sudbury community. “We're all guys that like to drive motorcycles and help out the community, which is our number one thing,” Mike Mulvaney said.
“It's about bringing back positivity to the ride and bikers again,” Gareau interjected. “We're not all bad guys.”
The Warriors completed a charity run for the mission back in the summer shortly after the club came together. Gareau said the club feels good knowing that donations reach people in need. A few weeks back, they asked to join the mission's kitchen for the night.
Not all members were able to attend, but the nine that had found it to be a rewarding experience.
“Some of the members here find it a unique time of year to share our good blessings with the rest of the community that are less fortunate,” member Shawn Sutherland said.
Elgin Street Mission is located in the Samaritan Centre on Elgin Street. Since it was founded in 1989, the mission has offered shelter, laundry facilities, clothing and showers to people in need. Approximately 250 meals are served there, every day.
Shift captain Brian Shephard said that anyone that wishes to help the Elgin Street Mission by way of volunteering or offering a donation should contact the mission administration office to set up a meeting with Pastor Brad at (705) 673-2163
