The CP Holiday Train will not leave its station and roll into Kamloops and other communities later this year because of COVID-19.
Instead Canadian Pacific says it will donate to food banks in communities across its network and host a virtual concert in lieu of its regular program.
“COVID-19 has created many challenges for communities across our network and has only increased the need at local food banks and food shelves,” said CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel. “It is our honor to continue to donate to communities across our network this year, even if the train itself will not run.”
“We will have the Holiday Train rolling again spreading Christmas cheer as soon as it’s safe to do so!”
Last year’s stop in Kamloops saw a record turnout with nearly 6,000 pounds of food collected for the Kamloops Food Bank to go with about $50,000 in donations. With country artists Terri Clark and Dallas Smith, the train also made stops in Chase, Savona, and Ashcroft.
The modified program this year is expected to draw attention to food security issues, with donations going to all food banks that would normally get them as well as to communities that host a Holiday Train event in alternating years.
Over its 21 years of operation, the holiday train has raised $17.8 million while collecting 4.8 million pounds of food for local food banks.
Details about the virtual concerts will be released at a later date. Creel also says CP intends to resume the annual train tour in 2021.