CP Holiday Train Brings Support to Salvation Army Food Banks

by chrismcgregor
Categories: Divisional News
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Christmas festivities and fun will roll into Woodstock when the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train hits town to bring funds and food donations for the Woodstock Salvation Army Community Church Food Bank.

The CP Holiday train, adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, chugs into 199 Winniett Street in Woodstock on November 30 at 6:40, featuring musical performances by Lindsay Ell and JoJo Mason.

All financial donations and food items collected during the event will stock food bank shelves for the holiday season. Woodstock Community Church received $4,500 from CP in 2020 and 2021, and a similar amount is expected this year.

With demand for food bank support on the rise, the boost from the CP Holiday Train comes at a perfect time for those assisted by Woodstock Community Church.

“The numbers in 2022 have increased by 55 per cent from last year at this time. We’ve seen an average of 400 people monthly at food banks over the past year, and this Christmas it is expected that we’ll give out 500 hampers, so the CP Holiday Train is a huge boost to filling our food bank shelves,” said Salvation Army Woodstock Community Services Officer Major Naomi Dalley.

During the CP Holiday train visit, Salvation Army mission partners will be collecting kettle and food donations for Community and Family Services. Major Dalley said more volunteers are needed for the Christmas Kettle Campaign. Anyone interested in staffing a kettle can call the Woodstock office at 519-539-6166.

This is the first in-person CP Holiday Train since 2019, due to COVID-19. It was held virtually in 2020 and 2021.

“I’m grateful to the CP team members who adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver two exceptional virtual Holiday Train shows and to all those who continued to donate while we kept community members safe,” said Keith Creel, CP’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“The Holiday Train is all about families and communities coming together to celebrate the season and help those in need. We are excited to be back out on the rails and in our communities, taking these two beautiful trains across our network and sharing the joy that comes with gathering in the spirit of giving.”

Salvation Army food banks in Bowmanville, Kenora and Milton are also benefiting from CP Holiday Train visits. More information is available at www.cpr.ca/en/holiday-train/canada.