11 October 2010

Canadian Pacific Heritage Train Rides Raise $50,000 for the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Canadian Pacific steam locomotive number 2816, the "Empress" - 9 Jul 2007 Sunny Wong.

Calgary Alberta - This summer's heritage steam train ride, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Last Spike, successfully raised $50,000 for The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. This fundraising effort was the latest in a decade long association with Canadian Pacific that has generated nearly $300,000 for Children's Wish.
 
CP has undertaken other fundraising programs benefiting Children's Wish including bottle recycling programs, corporate giving, and wish granting support, as was most evident during this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver as CP welcomed and hosted Wish Families from across the country. All of these charitable efforts have been undertaken by CP front line employees, many who also volunteered their time.
 
"We know the Heritage Steam Train Rides require a significant investment in both financial and human resources, and without the efforts of everyone at CP, they would not have been possible" commented Jason Evanson, Director, Children's Wish Alberta and Northwest Territories Chapter. "For that, we are extremely appreciative."
 
The Heritage Rides took place in July and August aboard the CP Empress 2816, a class H1b Hudson type locomotive built by Montreal Locomotive Works in December 1930. The CP Empress is now the only surviving H1b Hudson and is one of only a handful of preserved and operating steam locomotives in North America.
 
"Since 2001 the Empress has served as a roving community ambassador for Canadian Pacific and we are pleased that our 125 Last Spike celebrations tour made a positive impact to a deserving charity," said Fred Green, CP CEO. "Children's Wish has grassroots relationships with our employees and in communities across Canada, making the steam train rides an ideal fundraiser. Together we were able to create fond memories for many families."
 
Chris Kotsopoulos, Chief Executive Officer for The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada noted "We are so grateful for our partnership with CP. Our collaborative efforts help ensure that our wish granting legacy flourishes. CP provides an outstanding example of how strategic community investments can be of benefit to all involved. Full steam ahead!"
 
The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
 
Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Since 1984, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada has worked tirelessly to grant exceptional wishes to 16,000 children and their families.
 
This year, the Foundation expects to grant 1,000 new wishes and is proud to have never refused a wish to an eligible child, and with the help of volunteers and generous donors, is able to grant nearly three wishes every day. Each wish is an individual adventure, carefully structured to meet the needs of a particular child and family. The Foundation is a grassroots charity with chapters in every province and territory.