For almost 20 years, the Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train has been crisscrossing this country (and the United States) to collect food and raise money for food banks. In fact, since it was launched in 1999, the Holiday Train has raised more than $14.5 million and gathered 4.3 million pounds of food for communities along CP's routes.
This year, two trains will set off from Montreal on Nov. 25 and 27 to make the journey through 164 communities in the U.S. and Canada. At each stop, local food banks will be accepting donations to ensure those less fortunate have enough healthy food this holiday season.
"It is a privilege for CP to be able to run a program like this and connect with so many communities across our network,” says Keith Creel, CP's President and Chief Executive Officer. “I want to personally thank each individual who has made a donation over the past 20 years—your collective efforts have made the Holiday Train a huge success for two decades."
Coming to a stop near you
The two Holiday Trains will both depart from Montreal and take different routes across Canada and the U.S. The Canadian Train will leave Montreal on November 27, travelling west through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, before ending up in Port Coquitlam, B.C. on December 18.
The U.S. Train will leave Montreal on November 25, stopping in Quebec, New York and Southern Ontario before continuing its journey through the U.S. and into southern Saskatchewan for its final stop in Weyburn on Dec. 16.
You can find the full schedule of stops for both trains
here.
Spreading holiday cheer and the rail safety message
The Holiday Train isn't just a way to spread the holiday spirit—its arrival in communities across the country is also a chance to spread the rail safety message. Operation Lifesaver’s Rail Safety Ambassadors will be on hand in Delson, Que. on November 25th, Montreal West and Beaconsfied, Que. on November 27
th, and Winnipeg, Man. on December 3
rd, to help educate participants about the hazards associated with train tracks and railway property. CP is also trying to get this message across with a series of
holiday safety messages.
You can follow the Holiday Train on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CPHolidayTrain. And be sure to use #CPHolidayTrain as you track the progress of the train across North America.
In the spirit of the Holiday Train, let’s work together to make this a happy and safe holiday season.