Anne-Marie Jennings
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 04/98) - Fred Squires and Harley's are holding their annual toy run to collect stuffed toys for Allison McAteer House in Yellowknife.

Squires has organized the toy run for the past four years, and says that motorcycle riders across North America organize similar events.

"If you pick up any motorcycle magazine you will find advertisements of toy runs being run all over the place," Squires says.

All toys collected will be given to the Allison McAteer House, which Squires says uses the donated toys in a number of different ways.

"They don't just give the toys out at Christmas," he says. "They use them all throughout the year.

"They get a lot of stressed kids coming into the house. The toys come in handy."

Squires is quick to add that there is no requirement to own or drive a motorcycle for people who want to donate toys or other items during the toy run.

"We don't care if they come in on a moped. Everybody is welcome."

Unlike other years, Squires has organized a potluck dinner for those people who donate toys or other items during the event.

Harley's forth annual Toy Run is scheduled to take place next Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12. Everyone is welcome to bring a stuffed toy or anything else they may want to donate, and Squires and his crew will distribute them throughout the community.