(Canadian Pacific issued the following news release on December 19.)
CALGARY — After visiting more than 100 communities in Canada and the United States over the last 16 days, the 2005 CPR Holiday Train – North America’s only rolling fundraiser for food banks – has wrapped up a remarkable cross-country fundraiser.
With donations still rolling in following final performances in Maple Ridge and Port Moody, B.C. the 2005 Holiday Train has raised more than $423,000 (CDN), surpassing last year’s tally of about $375,000 (CDN) in contributions. As well, food donations are currently at 128 tons, as remaining food banks in Canada and the United States report in final totals.
Since its launch in 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised more than $2.3 million (CDN) and 506 tons of food for North American food banks. All donations collected in a community remain in that community for distribution.
“CPR is most grateful to the thousands of Canadians and Americans who supported the Holiday Train this year and joined our employees in raising as much food, money and awareness for food bank programs,” said CPR CEO, Rob Ritchie. “We are pleased the Holiday Train, with its hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights and decorations, again helped food banks by shining a very bright light on the critical issue of hunger in our communities.”
The Canadian Association of Food Banks has indicated that in one month alone – March 2005 – over 800,000 different people accessed food banks, including more than 300,000 children. While CAFB provides food daily for people in need, its ultimate goal is a hunger-free Canada.
The 2005 Holiday Train also produced a gold record in Canada. The special edition CPR Holiday Train CD, “In Harmony with Your Community – Music of the CPR Holiday Train, 2005” was recorded by past and present Holiday Train performers to help raise awareness for local food bank programs. “In Harmony with Your Community – Music of the CPR Holiday Train, 2005” has been certified gold by the Canadian Recording Association for reaching sales of 50,000 CDs.
This year’s performers on the Canadian Holiday Train were singer/songwriter, Wayne Rostad; pop singing star Amanda Stott; and International recording artists the Moffatts. A second Holiday Train visited close to 40 communities in the Northeast and Midwest United States in support of hunger relief in America. U.S. Holiday Train entertainers included: Tracey Brown and The Ennis Sisters.
About the Canadian Association of Food Banks
Founded in 1985, the Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB) is the national umbrella organization representing voluntary food charities, including about 250 member food banks. CAFB is the voice of food banks in Canada. Members and their agencies serve approximately 90 per cent of people who use emergency food programs nation-wide. CAFB operates the National Food Sharing System, coordinating the shipment of food donations through voluntary transport to food banks across the country. In addition to food received from the CAFB, food bank members distribute an estimated 150 million pounds of food per year to the less fortunate in their communities. While CAFB provides food daily for people in need, its ultimate goal is a hunger-free Canada.
About Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway is a transcontinental carrier operating in Canada and the U.S. Its 14,000-mile rail network serves the principal centres of Canada, from Montreal to Vancouver, and the U.S. Northeast and Midwest regions. CPR feeds directly into America’s heartland from the East and West coasts. Alliances with other carriers extend its market reach throughout the U.S. and into Mexico.
For the latest Holiday Train news and information, including pictures and route map, check out the 2005 Holiday Train website at: www.cpr.ca/go/holidaytrain