CP Holiday Train magic comes through for local food shelves

EMBARGOED UNTIL 7:30 PM EASTERN, December  17, 2011       

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Dec. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - The 2011 CP Holiday Train has successfully wrapped up its cross-border mission of raising money, food and awareness for food shelves along its network in the United States and Canada.

After three weeks of taking the magic of  two Holiday Trains to about 150 communities in eight U.S. states and six Canadian provinces, an estimated quarter million people generously gave to help feed the hungry. With some donations still rolling in, the 2011 CP Holiday Train has raised more than $800,000 (CDN) and 225,000 pounds of food for local food shelf programs.

In the 13 years of the Holiday Train program - with its two trains each decked out with more than three miles of special LED festive lights and decorations - has played an important role in collecting more than $6.4 million (CDN) and close to 2.6 million pounds of food to help fight hunger in communities along its 14,800-mile rail network.  Everything collected at a stop stayed there for local distribution.

The U.S. 'train of lights', which began its three-week journey on November 25^th, ended its food shelf drive in Carpio, North Dakota on Friday, December 16^th.  The Canadian Holiday Train also wrapped up its trek this weekend.

Again this year, food shelf supporters at each event were treated to a live performance by entertainers playing on a boxcar converted to a stage. Bringing holiday cheer and the important message of supporting food shelves in the United States were Milwaukee folk-rocker Willy Porter and Nashville country-music recording artist Sydney Grigg. On the Canadian Holiday Train, crowds experienced Canadian music legend Valdy, young Ottawa rockers, Brothers Dube' and Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Tracey Brown.

The 2011 CP Holiday Train was again followed by thousands of fans on Facebook and on Twitter (@CPHolidaytrain).

About Canadian Pacific:
Canadian Pacific (CP: TSX/NYSE) operates a North American transcontinental railway providing freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise.  Incorporating best-in-class technology and environmental practices, CP is re-defining itself as a modern 21st century transportation company built on safety, service reliability and operational efficiency. Visit cpr.ca and see how Canadian Pacific is Driving the Digital Railway.

SOURCE Canadian Pacific

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