CPKC Holiday Train Sets New C$2 Million Fundraising Record in Cross-Border Charity Tour

CALGARY, AB — Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced its annual Holiday Train program has concluded its 2023 tour, smashing previous records by raising an unprecedented C$2 million for local food banks across North America. The iconic festive journey, a cornerstone of community engagement for the railway, also collected over 175,000 pounds of essential food donations from spectators during its month-long, two-nation journey.

Main Body:

In a powerful demonstration of corporate philanthropy, Canadian Pacific Kansas City confirmed the record-breaking success of its 25th annual Holiday Train tour. The program, which sees brightly decorated trains travel across the CPKC network, made 194 stops to host free public concerts and raise awareness for food insecurity. At each stop, CPKC made a direct donation to the local food bank, with all public donations and collected food items also benefiting community services in the area.

The operational scale of the Holiday Train is a significant logistical undertaking, showcasing the railway’s extensive network capabilities. Two distinct trains—one covering the Canadian route and another traversing the U.S.—were deployed simultaneously. Coordinating the month-long schedule across hundreds of communities, ensuring safe passage on active freight corridors, and staging live musical performances from a modified boxcar requires precision planning that highlights the operational expertise inherent in the Class I railway.

First launched in 1999, the Holiday Train has become a cherished tradition and a vital source of support for communities along CPKC’s tracks. The program’s long-term impact is substantial, having now raised a cumulative total of more than C$28.3 million and collected over 5.6 million pounds of food since its inception. This year’s record fundraising marks a significant milestone, especially as the first full tour operating under the new CPKC banner following the historic merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern.

Key Takeaways

• Record Philanthropic Impact: The C$2 million raised and 175,000 pounds of food collected represent the most successful year in the program’s 25-year history.
• Extensive Network Showcase: The 194-stop tour across Canada and the U.S. serves as a powerful public display of CPKC’s vast, integrated North American rail network.
• Sustained Community Commitment: The program’s continued success underscores a long-term corporate strategy of building goodwill and investing in the social fabric of the communities it serves.

Editor’s Analysis

Beyond the impressive fundraising figures, the CPKC Holiday Train program is a masterclass in strategic community relations for the global rail industry. In an era where freight railways often face public scrutiny over environmental, safety, and supply chain issues, this initiative builds invaluable social license. It humanizes a massive industrial entity, fostering positive relationships with the towns and cities that line its tracks—relationships that are critical for long-term operational stability and future growth. For the newly formed CPKC, continuing and expanding this tradition sends a clear message to stakeholders: the merged entity remains deeply committed to its local community partners. This is not just charity; it’s a strategic investment in brand reputation and public trust across the continent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did the 2023 CPKC Holiday Train raise?

The 2023 tour raised a record-breaking C$2 million for local food banks and collected more than 175,000 pounds of food donations from the public.

What is the history of the Holiday Train program?

The program was launched by Canadian Pacific in 1999. Over its 25-year history, it has raised a total of more than C$28.3 million and collected 5.6 million pounds of food.

Which areas did the CPKC Holiday Train visit in 2023?

The train made 194 stops for live performances across a wide swath of North America, including six Canadian provinces and 13 U.S. states on the CPKC network.