The CP Holiday Train's visit this week gave a generous boost to the Okotoks Food Bank.

The food bank was gifted with a cheque for $5,000 from CP Rail which will allow them to keep their fresh fruit and veggie pack program.

The program began as a pilot project back in the spring following a $1,000 donation from CP.

Pamela McLean, Executive Director of the Okotoks Food Bank, says that CP's values align with the food bank's.

"CP has this great donation policy. Their slogan is 'CP has heart', and they try with the most part for the money they donate to put it towards heart-healthy endeavours and this is just such a perfect match."

McLean rode in on the train and says it's an experience she'll never forget.

"We get closer and closer to Okotoks and all of us from the Okotoks area were wondering because it's a Tuesday how many people are actually going to be able to come, and the train starts to roll into and boom!" she laughs. "There are all of these Okotokians lines up and cheering, waving their mittened hands. It was really incredible."

In total, the community raised $1,188 and 1,089 lbs of food donations for the Okotoks Food Bank at the event.

 

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email news@okotoksonline.com