19 December 2005
2005 CPR Holiday Train Wraps up Very Successful Rolling Fundraiser for Food Banks
After visiting more than 100 communities in Canada and the United States over the last 16 days, the
2005 CPR Holiday Train - North America's only rolling fundraiser for food banks - has wrapped up a remarkable cross-country
fundraiser.
With donations still rolling in following final performances in Maple Ridge and Port Moody, B.C. the 2005 Holiday Train has raised more
than $423,000 (CDN), surpassing last year's tally of about $375,000 (CDN) in contributions. As well, food donations are currently at
128 tons, as remaining food banks in Canada and the United States report in final totals.
Since its launch in 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised more than $2.3 million (CDN) and 506 tons of food for North American food
banks. All donations collected in a community remain in that community for distribution.
"CPR is most grateful to the thousands of Canadians and Americans who supported the Holiday Train this year and joined our
employees in raising as much food, money and awareness for food bank programs," said CPR CEO, Rob Ritchie. "We are pleased
the Holiday Train, with its hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights and decorations, again helped food banks by shining a very
bright light on the critical issue of hunger in our communities."
The Canadian Association of Food Banks has indicated that in one month alone - March 2005 - over 800,000 different people accessed food
banks, including more than 300,000 children. While CAFB provides food daily for people in need, its ultimate goal is a
hunger-free Canada.
The 2005 Holiday Train also produced a gold record in Canada. The special edition CPR Holiday Train CD, "In Harmony with Your
Community - Music of the CPR Holiday Train, 2005" was recorded by past and present Holiday Train performers to help raise
awareness for local food bank programs. "In Harmony with Your Community - Music of the CPR Holiday Train, 2005" has been
certified gold by the Canadian Recording Association for reaching sales of 50,000 CDs.
This year's performers on the Canadian Holiday Train were singer/songwriter, Wayne Rostad; pop singing star Amanda Stott; and
International recording artists the Moffatts. A second Holiday Train visited close to 40 communities in the Northeast and Midwest
United States in support of hunger relief in America. U.S. Holiday Train entertainers included: Tracey Brown and The Ennis
Sisters.
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