Harley fans hit the streets for quake victims

More than 70 Harley motorcycle enthusiasts joined cyclists in Hohhot, capital of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Sunday to raise funds for earthquake victims in Sichuan.

A Russian woman donates money for Ya'an in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region on April 21, 2013. Gao Jiang For China Daily

The motorbikes came from clubs in Hohhot, Baotou and Ordos and were rode through downtown areas.

"The disaster greatly shocked us," said Feng Le, one of the organizers. "We know many motorcycle fans in Sichuan, some of whom we still have been unable to contact."

"We're worried and want to express our best wishes," he said.

Many passers-by stopped and cheered the parade, and more than 7,000 yuan ($1,130) was collected in a matter of minutes.

Organizers said donations will be transferred to the Inner Mongolia branch of Red Cross Society of China.

"People used to actively donate to the China Red Cross," said Pan Haodong, a musician who handed over 1,000 yuan. "But many people have become reluctant (after a series of scandals). This eye-catching event is a nice try to restore confidence."

Xinhua News Agency reported that donations from Inner Mongolia's two major dairy producers, Yili and Mengniu, have arrived at the disaster zone in Ya'an.

Yili donated 5,000 boxes of relief materials, while Mengniu sent 10,000 boxes of milk, along with 10 million yuan.

The government of Inner Mongolia has donated 5 million yuan to Sichuan, while its health department has organized two 30-strong medical teams and a quarantine team.

Radio stations in Hohhot have also opened a platform with their counterparts in Sichuan to help migrant workers contact relatives in the disaster zone.