DIDSBURY – With temperatures hovering around -27 C, the turnout for the CP Holiday Train on Dec. 9 in Didsbury was smaller than expected.
However, despite the low turnout, a great haul was received by the Mountain View Food Bank, thanks to the generosity of the community.
“We made $722.96 in cash and 539 pounds of food, which works out to an estimated value of $1,345,” said Harry Warne, treasurer for the food bank. “CPR donates $4,000 to us as well. So a pretty good result for a very cold day.”
The CP Holiday Train tours the country every year and stops at various spots along the track bringing Christmas cheer.
The train cars are decorated for the holidays and there was an appearance by Santa as well. In addition, recording artists the Odds and Dallas Smith played to an appreciative audience.
In addition to bringing holiday spirit, the train raises money, food and awareness for local food banks.
“For the cold weather, we did very well,” said Warne.
Mountain View Food Bank is located in Olds but serves the entire Mountain View region. Warne said use of the food bank is up 20 per cent this year.
"We made $722.96 in cash and 539 pounds of food, which works out to an estimated value of $1,345." Harry Warne
