15th year of CP Holiday Train raises record $2 million in support of local food banks

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Dec 25, 2013, 09:00 ET

Train of lights, A-list musicians and incredible generosity by Canadians and Americans drive donations

CALGARY, Dec. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - The 2013 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has officially wrapped up its journey across Canada and the United States raising record donations for North American food banks.

Donations for the 2013 three-week journey by two brightly-decorated freight trains to over 150 communities hit more than $2 million and 300,000 pounds of food.

"This was a record year for the Holiday Train and Canadian Pacific congratulates all those who rallied together in supporting communities in their fight against hunger." said E. Hunter Harrison, CP's chief executive officer.

As part of what was raised during this year's Holiday Train, the Breakfast Club of Canada and Feeding America each received $250,000 from CP in support of their national programs.

The 2013 donation results now push totals since 1999 to close to $9.5 million and 3.3 million pounds.

Thousands of Holiday Train supporters were treated to live performances on the modified boxcar stage. This year's musical talents included Melanie Doane, Jim Cuddy, Crystal Shawanda, Doc Walker, Matt Dusk, Tracey Brown and The Claytones, Brothers Dubé, Roxanne Potvin, and Willy Porter.

The 15th anniversary of the CP Holiday Train program also included three "signature events" in Hamilton, ON, Calgary, AB and Cottage Grove, MN. Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, Great Big Sea, Natalie McMaster, The Tenors, and Take 6 performed at the special concerts that were part of the rolling cross-border fundraiser.

For additional information on the musicians and photos visit: www.cpr.ca. Supporters can also join the Holiday Train on Facebook and follow on Twitter @CPHolidaytrain

For additional information, photos, a route map, and downloadable pictures of the two trains, visit: www.cpr.ca.

Supporters can also join the Holiday Train on Facebook and follow the two trains on Twitter @CPHolidaytrain #CPHolidayTrain.

Broadcast b-roll available at: http://www.cpr.ca/en/in-your-community/holiday-train/Pages/media.aspx

SOURCE Canadian Pacific