CPs annual Holiday Train has received one of the first Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards, recognizing the role it plays in helping Canadian communities and food banks. The ceremony took place in Ottawa Dec. 14.
“Canadian Pacific is honoured the prime minister has recognized the Holiday Train initiative and we are extremely proud to receive this award,” said E. Hunter Harrison, president and CEO of Canadian Pacific. “The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award acknowledges the hard work, commitment and dedication of CP employees, food bank volunteers, and community organizers, who continue to demonstrate the importance of community and concern for their neighbours through the Holiday Train. They are the people who truly deserve this recognition.”
The Holiday Train is a network-wide fundraiser benefiting local food banks in Canada and the United States. Two brightly decorated freight trains recently travelled across the two countries raising money, food and awareness.
For its 14th year, more than 150 communities will experience the spirit of neighbours helping neighbours. Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised close to C$6.4 million and about 2.6 million pounds of food for North American food banks. Everything raised in the local community stays in the community for local distribution.
The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards recognize the exceptional contributions of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the wellbeing of families and their communities. The Awards highlight best practices in community leadership and encourage partnerships across sectors.
“The CP Holiday Train is an important employee and community initiative. The Prime Minister’s Volunteer award is a testament to the role every person plays in having positive impact on their community,” said Harrison.