6 December 2005
Holiday Train Not Coming
Ashcroft - CPR's Holiday Train won't be stopping in Ashcroft this year, making it a lean Christmas
for local residents who depend on the Food Bank operating out of the South Cariboo Elizabeth Fry office in Ashcroft.
Elizabeth Fry manager Denise Fiddick says she was informed by mail this year, that the train would not be stopping. Officials told her
it was "a scheduling problem." "It's a huge blow to the Food Bank," she said.
Locals who gather to see the festively-decorated train usually bring donations of food and cash. As well, the train
employee's union donates to the local food banks, and CDs featuring the Canadian musicians on the train are sold in each community,
with proceeds going back to the local food banks. "That usually gets us through January," said Fiddick.
She said she's still hoping she can convince the organizers to make their regular stop in Ashcroft, but time is running out.
The train is scheduled to be in Kamloops on 16 Dec 2005; it'll be rolling through Ashcroft the following morning around
7:30.
The loss of donations from the event will mean "extra struggles" for the Food Bank and its clients this Christmas, she said.
The Food Bank accepts donations of non-perishable food and/or cash at any time of the year.
On 9 Dec 2005 the Ashcroft Secondary students will be going door to door in Ashcroft and Cache Creek, collecting food for
the Food Bank.
The Elizabeth Fry office is located in the basement of Ashcroft's Village Office on Bancroft St.
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