(Canadian Pacific issued the following on October 26.)
CALGARY — For more than 100 communities in Canada and the United States, the spirit of giving to local food banks will again be front and centre with the ninth annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Program – North America’s largest rolling fundraiser. Two brightly decorated Holiday Trains will be collecting food and money, as well as raising awareness in the fight against hunger.
Across Canada, in over 70 towns, villages and cities will experience the Holiday Train spirit – starting in Beaconsfield, Quebec on December 1st and ending in Port Moody, British Columbia on December 18th. In the United States’ Northeast and Midwest, 40 communities have been confirmed for formal visits by the train of lights. Each year, in addition to the official stops, the Holiday Train holds mini-performances in many other communities along its route.
Bringing holiday cheer as well as the important message supporting food banks in Canada, is one of the country’s most versatile musical exports, Wide Mouth Mason. The Saskatchewan trio will be joined by Canadian pop sensation Melanie Doane. Joining the Train in the United States is Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member Tracey Brown. Brown will be joined by Juno award-winner Colin Linden and the critically acclaimed family duo: Ennis.
This is the ninth year CP’s Holiday Train will be taking to the rails for local food banks with its message of hope and community support. Since 1999, CP’s Holiday Train program has generated almost 1.6 million pounds of food donations and raised $3 million for local charities. In 2006, More than $600,000 and 300,000 pounds of food were raised by concerned Canadians and Americans. All donations collected in a community remain in that community for local distribution.
For the train’s schedule and list of stops, please visit the CP Rail website at: http://www.cpr.ca.