The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train is celebrating a big milestone this year—25 years of bringing holiday cheer and raising donations for the food insecure across North America.
Each year, the brightly lit train travels across CPKC's network in Canada and the United States. At each stop, local food banks accept donations to ensure that those less fortunate have enough healthy food this holiday season. Since the Holiday Train program began back in 1999, it has visited hundreds of communities and raised more than five million pounds of food and more than $22.5 million for community food banks.
“The Holiday Train program is close to the hearts of our CPKC family. Our railroaders take great joy in joining communities across our network as they come together in the giving spirit of the holidays,” says Keith Creel, CPKC’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am grateful to all the railroaders and community members who have supported the Holiday Train over the past quarter century and made it such a success.”
Spreading holiday cheer—and the rail safety message—from coast to coast
Live music has always been part of Holiday Train events. This year's tour will include 191 live music shows in six provinces and 14 states, with performances by Tyler Shaw, Tenille Townes, Kiesza, Seaforth, Anyway Gang, and more. CP Police will be on hand at each stop to remind spectators to stay clear of the tracks, and Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Ambassadors will distribute rail safety information to spectators in select locations.
"I could not be more excited to be getting back on board the Holiday Train again. I feel like I witnessed the best parts of the human spirit on the ride last year, with everybody bundled in the cold bringing donations for their local food bank," says Tenille Townes, Canadian country music singer-songwriter and CCMA Award winner. "I can't wait to play and see communities along the way coming together again this year!"
This year’s Holiday Train will be travelling from November 21st through to December 19th. Each event is free, but if you can’t make it to one of its stops, you can also follow the Holiday Train on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @CPKCrail. And be sure to use #CPKCholidaytrain as you track its progress or share photos from an event. A full schedule and details of this year's Holiday Train are available at cpkcr.com/holidaytrain.