Ponoka must be on Santa’s good list because this year will once again see the CP Holiday Train make its way through town.
Slated to arrive in town Dec. 7 from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. residents will once again be able to make donations to the Ponoka Food Bank with members of the Ponoka Lions Club collecting cash and food.
Lions president Larry Henkelman said the Holiday Train is a welcome site for residents and for the food bank. “The big thing is that it really helps the food bank out.”
“It’s a great event for the community and I’m sure our food bank is looking forward to it too,” he added.
Information on the CP Holiday Train requests healthy food donations.
“CP’s train of lights provides a platform to speak about the needs of North American food banks. This is why we are challenging all our event attendees to reach into their cupboards and donate quality nutritious food items to help raise food for those who need it most this holiday season,” states Katharine Schmidt, Food Banks Canada executive director on the website.
The CP Holiday Train website states that the goal is to raise awareness of heart disease challenges in North America. Working with different associations, CP has dedicated millions of dollars towards supporting research and promoting awareness around this issue with its CP Has Heart program.
“Many don’t realize heart disease is manageable and preventable if you take correct steps in leading a healthy lifestyle. One of those steps is maintaining a heart-healthy diet,” states the site.
Heart healthy donation ideas:
Grain Products – whole grain bread, brown rice, whole wheat crackers, bagels, hot & cold cereals, granola bars, muffins
Vegetables and Fruit – canned fruit and vegetables, 100 per cent fruit juice, tomato sauce, canned soup, tomato juice, applesauce, fresh (if storage available)
Milk Products – dry milk powder, milk puddings, cheese spreads, fresh milk, yogurt, and cheese (if accepted)
Meat and Alternatives – canned meat and fish, peanut butter, canned baked beans, dried or canned beans and lentils
There is also a “Capture the Spirit” photo contest that can be followed on social media. Fans or attendees of the holiday train events can snap photos and use the hashtag: #CPHolidayTrain. A customized holiday train map will be created where fans can track its progress.
Further details about the contest will be available closer to the start of the program on the Holiday Train Facebook page.
December 7 schedule leading up to Ponoka:
Lacombe - The Len Thompson Fish Pond - 2:00 p.m., show at 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Ponoka - 50th Street and 47 Avenue - 3:45 p.m., show at 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wetaskiwin - CP Building, 4009 50 Street - 5:30 p.m., show at 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.