Canadian Pacific Rail Brings Joy and Raises Funds For Food Pantry

(Left) The Spirit of Giving was everywhere, as CP employee Keith Beckel (left) presents Rev. Mike Wey with a "big" check - a $1000 donation to the Savanna Food Pantry. Illinois State Representative Mike Boland (center) filling in for the ailing Savanna Mayor Bill Lease, made a personal donation of $100, and emcee Rick Posnicoff presented Rev. Wey with another $124.14, a donation collected from the passengers that rode from Davis Junction to Savanna.

Rev. Wey said "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to show what this season is about - Christmas, it's about giving is it not? Thanks to CP's generosity, and all of your support and donations, we can do what we do best - feed people in need."

(Right) Santa Claus visits with all the good little girls and boys. Live music was performed from the boxcar that transforms into a stage (in background), featuring Shaun Verreault of the band "Wide Mouth Mason", and Juno award-winning singer and songwriter Melanie Doane.

The CP Holiday Train, celebrating its 10th Anniversary, has raised over $3.5 million in cash, and over 1.8 million pounds of food for North American food pantries. The U.S. Holiday Train will make 120 appearances this year. The tour started Thanksgiving Day in Scranton, PA and will end in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on Dec. 19.

(PA photos, report & video/Tom Kocal)

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