December 07, 2013

Publication title: Calgary Sun, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Unknown
Writer: Katie Schneider

CP Holiday Train delights thousands with signature Calgary event featuring Sarah McLachlan

The cold snap couldn’t put the brakes on a 15-year tradition from chugging into Calgary and warming the hearts of thousands.

Anderson LRT Station was transformed into North Pole Station Saturday as between 5,000 and 7,000 people braved the cold for the arrival of the CP Holiday Train that this year featured a concert with Sarah McLachlan, Doc Walker and The Tenors.

Decked out in festive decorations and hundreds of thousands of LED lights, the train visits more than 150 communities in Canada and the U.S., now on two-brightly coloured locomotives.

Saturday’s was one of three signature events that added some star power this year to mark the 15th anniversary of the program, which supports local food banks and shines a spotlight on the issue of hunger, said CP spokesman Ed Greenberg.

“It’s been 15 years, but the reality is hunger is an issue that continues to impact so many communities in Calgary, Southern Alberta and across Canada,” he said.

Everything raised in Calgary stays in the city and aside from filling two trucks up with food donations, the Calgary Food Bank received $25,000 from CP Rail.

Calgary Food Bank spokeswoman Shawna Ogston said the “amazing” gift will go far to help families in need, which this year includes flood victims and is thrilled to be part of the CP Holiday Train program.

“It’s so wonderful to see the train each year — people who came when they were young are bringing their own families,” she said.

“And it’s such a great way to say thank you to Calgary who are so generous to the Food Bank.”

The event also featured family friendly activities like ice carving, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and free hot chocolate.

This year free hand warmers were provided and buses made available for guests to keep warm.

Greenberg said it was also heartwarming to such a huge turnout.

“It a very cold evening, but even with the cold, Calgarians showed their generosity and certainly we thank them for the support of the CP Holiday Train but also to the Calgary Food Bank,” he said.