UP
The UP No. 7400 Pink Ribbon Locomotive celebrates the Class I’s support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, and the many lives—employees, family, friends and community members—affected by breast cancer, UP recently announced in a LinkedIn post. As a recipient of Komen’s Outstanding Volunteer Group Award, UP has been dedicated to the cause of eradicating breast cancer for more than two decades.
Since 2000, UP’s LEAD (Lead, Educate, Advocate, Develop) resource group has worked to promote the Susan G. Komen Nebraska More Than Pink walk. This dedication, the Class I says, has inspired affiliate LEAD chapters throughout UP’s 23-state network to support local Komen chapters.
A flowing, symbolic pink ribbon adorns each side of the locomotive, representing power on power: the strength and progress of the breast cancer awareness movement.
CPKC
CPKC on Oct. 9 announced the schedule and artist lineup for its 2024 Holiday Train program, which will begin rolling across Canada and the U.S. on Nov. 21. Each year, the illuminated train travels across CPKC’s network spreading holiday cheer and raising donations to help people struggling with food insecurity.
“The Holiday Train unites people in the spirit of the season as it travels across Canada and the United States, while generating critical support for our neighbors in need through the program’s support of local food banks,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. “We are pleased to again send this magical train on a four-week trip across our network spreading holiday joy as we collect food and raise money to fight food insecurity. We look forward to again seeing all the smiles and cheers from people young and old coming together in the spirit of giving.”
Holiday Train Highlights
- Since 1999, more than $24.3 million and over 5.3 million pounds of food for community food banks have been collected in Canada and the U.S.
- Visiting Saint John, N.B. for the first time.
- 167 live music shows in 7 provinces and 13 states.
- Performers include James Barker Band, Clerel, Tyler Shaw, Shawnee Kish, Magic!, Sofia Camara, American Authors, KT Tunstall, Tiera Kennedy, Seaforth, Alana Springsteen, The Lone Bellow.
The Holiday Express train will make 13 public stops across CPKC’s network in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The festive six-car Holiday Express train with intricate displays inside and out will bring Santa Claus and his elves to visit children and families as it supports local food banks.
Each event is free, with CPKC encouraging every attendee to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation to ease hunger needs in their community. Local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop to help ensure those in need can access adequate food this holiday season and year-round.
“At the Airdrie Food Bank, we are thrilled to welcome the CPKC Holiday Train back to our community. This event brings families and neighbors together in the true spirit of the season, all while supporting the vital work of local food banks,” said Christine Taylor, Marketing and Communications Manager at Airdire Food Bank. “We deeply appreciate CPKC’s ongoing commitment to helping us ensure that no one in Airdrie goes hungry, especially during the holidays. It’s a heartwarming tradition that not only spreads joy but also gives back in a meaningful way.”
“We are thrilled to welcome the CPKC Holiday Train back to Mechanicville! With 26 years of dedication, the CPKC Holiday Train has been instrumental in helping us combat hunger and raise awareness about food insecurity in and around our local community,” said Tammy Alikonis, Director of Outreach & Development, Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. “It’s a festive way to kick off the holiday season, bringing the community together and supporting food pantries along the way. We are extremely grateful for their commitment and continued support! #ItTakesACommunity to build a stronger community!”
“There’s no energy quite like it. Every stop the CPKC Holiday Train makes, you can feel and see everyone coming together in kindness, strength and compassion,” said Tyler Shaw, Canadian singer and actor. “The music I get to perform on the train is the cherry on top, the real magic comes from how generous and loving the communities are. It’s powerful to be a part of!”
A full schedule and details of this year’s Holiday Train and Holiday Express train is available here.
