CP Holiday Train returning with concert, lights, big food donations

The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will rock and roll across Canada once more for the 2022 holiday season — its first cross-continent tour in three years — and will arrive in Moose Jaw on Tuesday, Dec. 6 with its spectacular lights and a free concert by Tenille Townes and Aysanabee.

The Holiday Train will partner, as always, with food drives for food banks across Canada and the U.S.

In Moose Jaw, the drive is called the Good-Buy to Hunger Campaign. Organized by Michaela Turner at the Moose Jaw Co-op and Gabrielle Belanger at CP Rail Moose Jaw, the Good-Buy to Hunger Campaign is now in its 13^th year.

In 2021, Moose Javians proved their incredible generosity with the highest amount of food donations in Canada — despite the tour being virtual for the second year in a row.

Over 27,940 lbs of food were received.

Last year set tremendous records. Nevertheless, this year’s campaign may prove even more vital, with the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank reporting the highest number of people in need they’ve ever seen.

The Good-Buy to Hunger Campaign will launch on Monday, Nov. 14 at the Moose Jaw Co-op.

The Co-op will sell Food Bags at the checkouts. For $10, customers buy a bag of non-perishable, essential items. The bags will be built by the Co-op and delivered to the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank on Dec. 16.

The Moose Jaw Fire Department participates by sending its members to load and deliver the food at the conclusion of the campaign.

The Holiday Train concert on Dec. 6 with Tenille Townes and Aysanabee is free to attend. Community members are asked to bring a cash donation or a non-perishable food item — but everyone is welcome regardless.

CP noted in a press release that cash donations go further than non-perishable donations. This is because the cash is used by local stores to buy food items at discount and/or wholesale prices.

Keith Creel, President and CEO of CP, said “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.”