20 October 2006
2006 CPR Holiday Train Ready to Raise Money, Food and Awareness for Food Banks
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 Canadian Pacific Railway 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, over 70 towns, villages and cities in six provinces will
experience the Holiday Train spirit - starting in Beaconsfield, Quebec on
December 1st and ending in Port Moody, British Columbia on December 19th. In
the United States' Northeast and Midwest, 39 communities have been confirmed
for formal visits by the train of lights. In addition to the official stops,
the Holiday Train will hold mini-performances in many other communities along
its route.
Bringing holiday cheer as well as the important message supporting food
banks, are popular Canadian rock group Wide Mouth Mason
and Canadian country star Lisa Brokop,
while in the United States legendary folk-rocker
Willy Porter will be joined by country-music favourite Tracey Brown and
Nashville bluegrass-country artist Pat Flynn.
This is the eighth year the CPR's Holiday Train will be taking to the
rails for local food banks, with its message of hope and community support.
Since 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised over $2.4 million CDN and
close to 1.3 million pounds (about 584 tons) of food for North American food
banks. In 2005 alone, more than $515,331 and 454,022 pounds
(206 tons) of food were raised by concerned Canadians and Americans. All
donations collected in a community remain in that community for local
distribution.
New this year, a more user-friendly and interactive website and the
release of a special CD-DVD featuring songs and video of this magical train
and the entertainers who help make the whole initiative a reality. Details
about the CD-DVD will be released soon.
|
