Holiday Train to make Castlegar stop
By Castlegar Source
The CPR Holiday Train will be steaming into Castlegar once again, this time on Dec. 13, to offer family fun and entertainment while raising money for local food banks and service organizations.
Those who remember the Holiday Train’s first stop in Castlegar, winter before last, will understand just how exciting the visit can be.
“It was extremely well-received – a huge community event – way more people came out than we anticipated, and it was really so much fun,” said Community Harvest Food Bank coordinator and city councillor Deb McIntosh. “We got truckloads of food, as well as cash donations that were distributed here in Castlegar.”
The Holiday Train embarks this year on Nov. 28 and will spend two weeks chugging thrugh 110 communities in Canada and the U.S., beginning in Quebec and wrapping up inPort Moody, B.C.
“Canadian Pacific is proud to support communities where we operate, raising more than $4 million in funds and two million pounds of food in the Holiday Train’s first decade,” said CP president and CEO Fred Green. “Each year, the Holiday Train’s message gets stronger and the impact on our employees and in communities becomes more meaningful.”
“At each stop, Canadian Pacific provides a brightly decorated train, a box car converted into a stage, great musical talent and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. The community, in turn, rallies together at this free event – donating food and funds, all of which stays in their community,” said a CP press release.
“Food Banks Canada and its members, affiliate members and respective agencies serve approximately 85 percent of food bank clients in Canada and recently confirmed that 20 per cent more Canadians are enlisting the help of food banks compared to a year ago.”
“Each month, thousands of Canadians are faced with making the very real choice between paying rent or buying food,” said Katharine Schmidt, executive director of Food Banks Canada. “Canadian Pacific has become an important partner in supporting these families in need.”
Headline talents this year include alternative rock band The Odds and blues-rocker Shaun Verreault, of Wide Mouth Mason fame …not to mention the ever-popular holiday icon, Santa Claus.
The train will pull in To Castlegar along tracks adjacent to the Station Museum downtown, from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 13 (times are subject to some fluctuation).
The festivities are family-oriented and free – the only request is that those who can bring a donation for the local food bank.
Comments