3 December 2008
Hundreds Welcome Holiday Train
Canadian Country Music Association's Male Artist of the
Year
Johnny Reid performs for the crowd at the Canadian
Pacific Railroad Holiday Train event Wednesday.
Midhurst Ontario - Hundreds of people came out to see the
Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train roll into Midhurst Wednesday.
"This is our first time coming to Midhurst and this crowd is by far the largest crowd in a first-time city
ever," said Michel Spenard, spokesperson for Canadian Pacific. "This is just outstanding."
The train decorated in thousands of lights, wreaths, and ribbons is currently on a cross-Canada tour collecting donations
for local food banks and providing live entertainment.
Spenard, who has been onboard since the train left Montreal 29 Nov 2008, said the trip has been going great so far.
"The crowds have been fantastic, the outpouring of support for the food banks has been amazing," he said.
The train pulled into the station with donations for the Barrie Food Bank and the Elmvale and District Food Bank.
Dennis Willer, executive director of the Barrie Food Bank, said he was overwhelmed with the $500 donation he received.
"This is just a ball," he said while enjoying the entertainment. "What a phenomenal idea to have this train travel the
country supporting all the food banks."
Springwater Township Mayor Tony Guergis said he couldn't believe the number of people who came out.
"This is incredible, it really shows the spirit and generosity of the people of Springwater," he said. "I think this is
the largest fundraiser for the Elmvale and District Food Bank."
While Canadian Pacific made cash donations, local residents helped fill food bank vans with non-perishable food items.
After a performance by Santa Claus himself, musicians Johnny Reid, and Tracey Brown entertained the crowd. Reid is the 2008 Canadian
Country Music Association's Male Artist of the Year, and Brown is a country music hall of famer.
The Holiday Train headed out at 2 p.m., bound for the next stop on its 70-city tour, Sudbury.
The train's trip ends 18 Dec 2008.
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