MOOSE JAW — To keep the holiday spirit on track, the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railroad’s 2024 Holiday Train arrived at Moose Jaw’s rail yards along Manitoba Street West featuring artists Tyler Shaw, Shawnee Kish, and a donation drive in support of the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank.
The holiday train was onsite for Dec. 7 — after a quiet early arrival one day earlier — with the show kicking off around 4:30 p.m. at the rail yards.
The food bank received a generous boost from this year’s holiday train arrival, with Gabi Belanger presenting a $13,000 cheque on behalf of CPKC during the show. Terri Smith, representing Moose Jaw’s food bank, was on hand to accept the donation along with other non-perishable food items collected by the non-profit organization’s attending vans.
Tim Wonsiak, grocery manager at the Moose Jaw Co-op, shared that has already surpassed last year’s goal, with the $10 donations still being accepted until the campaign’s conclusion on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
The North American CPKC Holiday Train tour has already begun and runs from Nov. 21 until concluding on Friday, Dec. 20. This marks the tour's 26th year as it embarks on another run to spread holiday cheer and raise food, funding, and awareness for residents who currently face food insecurity.
As part of this mission, the tour dutifully stops at each scheduled location and everyone is asked to consider a monetary or non-perishable food donation for their local food bank.
The evening’s entertainment feature involved acclaimed Canadian artists Tyler Shaw and Shawnee Kish who each delivered a live performance.
Following the show, Megan Patterson, MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow, Mayor James Murdock, Wonsiak, Belanger, and Smith went on stage to accept this year’s donation on behalf of CPKC for the local food bank.
Mayor Murdock then addressed the crowd, emphasizing Moose Jaw’s railroad heritage and the importance of the annual event. “We’ve always been a rail town, and the presence here is greatly appreciated,” he said during his announcement.
To learn more about artist and performer Tyler Shaw visit . For more information about singer-songwriter Shawnee Kish visit .
To date, the holiday train tradition has raised more than $24.3 million along with over 5.3 million pounds (2.4 million kilograms) of food since its inception in 1999.
Further details including a map of the Holiday Train’s route can be found online at . For more information about CPKC visit .
You can continue to support the food bank by visiting , calling 306-692-2911, or visiting in person at 270 Fairford Street West.
