‘Holiday Train’ Launches Cross-Border Food Banks Fundraiser

Two specially decorated freight trains have hit the tracks to raise money for food banks in Canada and the United States.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train travels through 140 cities and towns in Canada and the United States raising funds for local food banks. Canadian Pacific Railway

Lit up brighter than any Christmas tree, two specially decorated freight trains have hit the tracks with a mission to raise money for food banks in Canada and the United States.

For the 12th year, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will journey across both countries, making stops in six Canadian provinces and eight U.S. states in the Midwest and Northeast.

“The Holiday Train’s mandate remains strong and that is to help tackle hunger, regardless of borders or size of community,” said CP president and CEO Fred Green.

“At this critical time of year, CP employees and thousands of volunteers in Canada and the United States are again joining together in helping those less fortunate.”

CP workers volunteer for the special fundraiser every year, with many giving up their vacations to work on the trains—from assembly to operations. The trains, both of which have 14 rail cars festooned with hundreds of thousands of festive lights, are assembled and decorated by CP employees in Montreal, Smith Falls, and Calgary.

Residents in about 140 cities and towns on both sides of the border will have the opportunity to donate, with all food and money raised at each stop staying in each community for local distribution.