As the holiday season approaches, a holiday tradition
continues.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolled through Davenport
this afternoon bringing with it, music, Santa, and perhaps most importantly, a
symbol of hope.
Over the last fourteen years, the Holiday Train has helped
raise $6.4 million and 2.6 million pounds of food for the needy in Canada and the US.
Thursday, $4,500 was donated directly from Canadian Pacific
to Churches United, a QC organization dedicated to helping those in need.
Anne Wachal, Program Manager for Churches United, set up a
food drive is association with the train's arrival.
Everyone who came to see the train was asked to bring an
food item or a cash donation.
"I can tell ya, we
have truck loads of food, we are full from floor to ceiling."
Hundreds of people young and old came to enjoy some good ol'
fashioned holiday fun, including a rock band playing holiday favorites such as:
Jingle Bells, Little Drummer Boy, and Come all Ye Faithful.
"It's Canadian Pacific's way to get communities to give back
by stopping. And to sponsor a food drive and provide some entertainment for our
communities." Said Bridget Rivera, representative of Canadian Pacific.
And with their departure, many people are already looking
forward to the next time it comes through, including Wachal.
"It's always a huge success. We love Canadian Pacific coming
in and as I said to the crowd, as soon as they leave, I'll be asking them to
come back."
