The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train made a whistle stop in 168 communities and raised more than $1.3 million this year.
Besides the cash donations, which are still being added up, the CP Holiday Train also collected more than 54,000 kg of food for local food banks.
Since the first holiday train rolled down the tracks in 1999, the festive fundraiser has raised $22.4 million and 2.3 million kg of food.
“We are overjoyed with the support we received from people across the CP network who came together to celebrate the season while braving the elements in support of their community and those in need,” said CP president and CEO Keith Creel.
“We are reminded how important the CP Holiday Train program is for communities and we were thrilled to be back in support of the critical work that local food banks do across Canada and the United States.”
After returning to the rails this season on its first cross-continent tour in three years, following virtual concerts in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the CP Holiday Train program drew big crowds in the 168 communities visited.
In central Alberta, Tenille Townes and Aysanabee performed as the CP Holiday Train made a stop in Blackfalds, Lacombe, Ponoka, Wetaskiwin and Millet on Dec. 8. Two days later, it stopped in Innisfail, Olds and Didsbury.
CP Holiday Train concerts ran between Nov. 23 and Dec. 19, featuring performances by award-winning and up-and-coming artists, including Aysanabee and Townes, Don Amero, Alan Doyle, Lindsay Ell, Brittney Kennel, JoJo Mason, Kelly Prescott, McKenzie Porter and Virginia To Vegas.