Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) 2024 Holiday Train will once again roll into Revelstoke Monday, Dec. 16, at the CP railway yard for an evening of lights, live entertainment and fundraising for the Community Connections Revelstoke Society’s (CCRS) food bank program.
This year the Holiday Train will be stopping in Revelstoke during darker hours, with an estimated arrival time of 6:15 p.m. Bonfires will be scattered throughout the viewing area to help keep viewers warm as they wait for the 14-car long display of lights and decorations to roll in.
Magic!, a Canadian reggae fusion band from Toronto and Sofia Camera, singer and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto will be performing live music on the boxcar stage.
The annual winter festivity sees the Holiday Train stop in over 100 communities across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico with the goal to raise money for local food programs.
“It’s a really great way to get ourselves out in front of the community,” Jenna Thomsen, food bank coordinator told Revelstoke Mountaineer. Those planning to come down to see the train are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food donations or monetary donations for the CCRS food bank as the organization gears up to supply food-insecure residents throughout the winter months.
Roughly half of the food donated during the Emergency Services Food Drive has gone out to the community, but CCRS is hoping to replenish shelves with the donations from the 2024 Holiday Train and through the donations provided by CPKC and other fundraisers. Previous years have included the Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services roasting hotdogs for guests by donation.
While CCRS is able to stretch monetary donations to purchase in bulk, providing more food for clients, donated shelf-stable food items are always appreciated at events and through the donation boxes around town. It provides variety for clients and can fill dietary needs such as gluten free.
CCRS is hoping to beat last year’s food donation total of 325 pounds at the 2024 Holiday Train.
“I would say our goal is 500 pounds as we have achieved that goal in the past,” Thomsen said. Last year the event raised $12,644 for CCRS including a $10,000 cheque presented by CPKC. It was one of the best years on record for monetary donations, but 2015 holds the record for most food donations at 1,500 pounds donated during the Holiday Train event.
“Receiving the cheque from the Holiday Train and all the fundraising that we do, it’s just a really great event for us,” she added.
Seeing the lights and the performances are free and all ages are welcome to attend.
Accessibility is dependent on snow conditions the day of the event, but a majority of the snow will be removed prior to the event starting. Hot dogs and warm drinks will be available by donation. If you’re unable to attend the 2024 Holiday Train and would like to donate to the food bank, drop off your donated food to the collection bin at the CCRS outreach centre and donate online or in-person at the main office.
What did you think of this story?
Your feedback after we publish a story helps ensure we're always improving our reporting to better serve you
