On Saturday, August 20th at 9:30 am at South Common Mall, you will be able to hear the roar of more than 100 motorcycles getting ready to take off – in their quest to help end hunger.  
It may look like these riders are cruising around just for fun, but they are actually participating in Riders Against Hunger, an annual motorcycle charity ride to support individuals and families living in hunger in western Mississauga. The event supports Eden Food for Change, which has two Food Bank locations and a Learning Kitchen that is focused on providing food and cooking skills and education to people living in poverty. In addition, the organization also runs a Fresh Produce Box program with multiple pick-up sites that provides access to affordable produce for anyone.

This year marks the 6th anniversary for the event which is headed up by Bill Crawford, the Executive Director of Eden Food for Change. An avid biker himself, Bill first began riding a motorcycle more than 25 years ago to commute to his job downtown working with youth living on the street. It wasn’t too long before his motorcycle was more of an interest that just a mode of transportation. “I just love being out on my bike,” says Bill, “if it’s a nice day and I am in a car, I just sort of feel like I am caged in now.”

In his role as Executive Director for Eden Food for Change, Bill often encourages people to have fun when supporting the organization and decided to do the same himself. A regular participant of motorcycle charity rides, Bill decided to create Riders Against Hunger. In its first year, the event had 40 participants, and over the years has continuously grown. Last year, there were more than 130 participants who took part in the ride. Through corporate sponsorships and individual fundraising efforts, the whole event raised almost $33,000.

Riders Against Hunger begins at South Common Mall where the bikers take off for their 160 km journey, which includes a few stops along the way. Ending back at the mall, participants enjoy lunch together, live music by Time Trip, a silent auction, a chance auction, as well as draw prizes and a special prize for the Elite Riders who raise more than $500.

For more information or to register online, please visit  www.ridersagainsthunger.org.