Yellowknife (Sep 13/06) - To needy children at the Centre for Northern Families, the rumble of motorcycles through city streets Sunday was music to their ears.

Forty-three motorcycles and their riders, many two to a bike, took part in Harley's Hardrock Saloon's 11th annual Toy Run.

Since August, Harley's has been collecting toys for children of all ages and donations of cash that will go to needy children at the centre.

"We figure that's where the most needy children might be," said organizer Fred Squires.

He wasn't sure how much money had been raised the day of the event, but judging from the truck piled high with toys of all shapes and sizes, Squires called the event a success.

Squires' son, nine-year-old Fred Jr., said it's important to help out kids who don't have much.

If he were to choose a gift, he'd give a "gas powered remote control car."

Fred Jr. wants to own his very own Harley motorcycle, just like the one his dad rides.

Ted Kidston chose toys for kids of all ages.

"I tried to get a range for different ages. Lots of times people forget about the older ones," he said.

Kidston, 54, has been riding motorcycles since he was 15.

Last year, Harley's raised $1,200 and donated 18 large bags of toys to the centre, said Squires.

The motorcyclists rode through Old Town, did the loop out to the airport and finished by driving out to Boundary Creek, about 30 kilometres from the airport.