Holiday Train brings in 1,500 lbs of food for CK food banks

Chatham-Kent was a successful stop for the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train.

The Holiday Train has travelled across Canada and the United States since 1999 with the goal of spreading holiday cheer, raising awareness of hunger in our communities, and raising money and food donations to support families in need.

This year, hundreds of CK residents showed up to take in the festivities, which included a free concert by the American Authors and KT Tunstall.

The American Authors performing in Chatham on November 25, 2024, as part of the CP Holiday Train. (Photo supplied by Chatham Outreach for Hunger)

At the same time, attendees generously donated food and money to make sure everyone has a joyful holiday.

Brenda LeClair with Outreach for Hunger, said 1,500 lbs of food was donated. The organization also brought in $553 in cash from the generous residents of Chatham-Kent.

That total was brought up to $5,053, following a $4,500 donation from the Holiday Train itself.

Donations being collected ahead of the arrival of the CP Holiday Train in Chatham on November 25, 2024. (Photo supplied by Chatham Outreach for Hunger)

Over the last 26 years, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $24.3 million and collected approximately 5.3 million pounds of food in total.