Photo courtesy of Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
CARRINGTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will once again be held virtually over safety concerns with COVID-19.
“The CP Holiday Train uses music and community spirit to raise money and generate healthy food donations for food banks in communities along CP’s network,” they state. “Since 1999, the program has helped raise $15.8 million and collect 4.5 million pounds of food.”
Visiting communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and many others, the train collects non-perishable food donations while bringing a show to audiences nationwide.
In 2020, Canadian Pacific made the decision to hold a virtual event called “CP Holiday Train at Home.” Due to COVID-19 cases, they’ve made the decision to hold a virtual event again.
“With the ‘Holiday Train at Home’ concert, CP hopes to inspire support for food banks across North America,” said CP President and CEO Keith Creel. “Though we are disappointed we again cannot bring an in-person show to communities along our rail lines, it fills us with joy to bring together such outstanding musicians for a performance that will help feed Canadians and Americans in need. The CP family looks forward to bringing the Holiday Train back on tour as soon as it’s safe.”
CP’s 2021 corporate donation will bring the total amount of money raised at CP Holiday Train stops to $20.64 million since the train’s inception in 1999. Food banks have also collected 4.9 million pounds of food donations at local Holiday Train events.
Performers for the virtual event feature headliner Steven Page and The Strumbellas with special guests The Trews, Sierra Noble, Odds, Tanika Charles, Aysanabee and Keb’ Mo’.
The event will ask for online donations through Feeding America, the national organization that supports community food banks across the U.S. You’re also encouraged to donate to your local food bank. Find a list here.
The concert will be streamed on Facebook, YouTube and this webpage on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. MT/8 p.m. ET.