THUNDER BAY - There were cheers when the lights appeared down the track and the train rolled into town to help kick off the holiday season of giving.
The Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train made its annual stop in Thunder Bay Sunday night, with hundreds of people braving the cold at the CP Station to take in some free music and lend a helping hand to those in need in the community.
“This is a great event,” said Brendan Carlin, community services manager with the Regional Food Distribution Association. “It kind of kicks off the holidays. People are always in such a great mood and very giving, which is really great for us. It’s a fun way to start the season.”
The CP Holiday Train has been travelling across Canada and the United States for several days and partnering with local food banks to collect donations that remain in the community.
Carlin said the annual event normally brings in more than half a ton of food donations for the RFDA.
“It’s always a big draw, even when it’s super cold when it’s been -30 or -40, people are always here,” Carlin said.
According to Mallory McCreadie, communications advisor with CPR, since the Holiday Train first started rolling 21 years ago, it has raised $15.9 million and 4.5 million pounds of food for food banks across Canada.
“I think a big part of it is the community aspect,” she said. “I think when people come out to an event, of course they want to see a free show and the great music, but I think people appreciate when they are donating in their community, it is staying in their community. Everyone is supporting their own community.”
Performing at the Thunder Bay stop this year were country stars Scott Helman and Madeline Merlo.
Between performances, the CP Holiday Train presented a cheque for $13,000 to the RFDA. Carlin said there is always a need in the community, especially at this time of year and luckily it is the season of giving.
“The need this year is similar to every year,” he said. “There are people in need all year around, not just at Christmas. But it is a good time to reflect while celebrating about those who are in need and people tend to give a little more this time of year.”
