Canadian Pacific to match donations made to Feeding America during 2013 U.S. Holiday Train tour

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Nov. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian Pacific (CP) and Feeding America^® are teaming up in the fight against hunger as part of the 15th year for the 'train of lights'.

As the CP Holiday Train travels through the Northeast and Midwest United States between November 25 and December 19, 2013, CP will match all online donations, dollar-for-dollar, made to Feeding America.

"With this match program Canadian Pacific is acknowledging the immense impact Feeding America has as an advocate of this serious issue," said E. Hunter Harrison, CP chief executive officer. "Both our organizations seek to raise further awareness for the millions of Americans across this nation who rely on food assistance each day to survive."

"It is important for everyone across the country to be conscious and aware of the struggles of those around them—even if those struggles are not the same as their own. It is a great privilege for me to unite with Feeding America in their cause to help feed those in need," said nine-time Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow, who is headlining a free Holiday Train concert in Cottage Grove, MN on December 14.

"Thanks to Canadian Pacific and fans of the U.S. Holiday Train, thousands of families in America struggling with hunger can receive meals, making this holiday season a little brighter," said Leah Ray, vice president of corporate partnerships for Feeding America.

People wishing to donate must go online to www.feedingamerica.org/holidaytrain to be eligible for the CP dollar-for-dollar match. This matching program is above and beyond the donations CP makes annually to community food shelves at each of its Holiday Train events.

The annual CP Holiday Train has become part of the social fabric of many U.S communities and an important fundraiser for their food shelves. Musicians traveling aboard the trains play free concerts from a boxcar converted to a stage. All food and money raised at Holiday Train events stays in the community for local distribution.

During the 2012 Holiday Train Program, Canadian Pacific donated $250,000 to Feeding America in support of Hurricane Sandy relief. Since 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised $7.4 million and more than 3 million pounds of food for North American food banks.

About Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 37 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

For more information on the 2013 Holiday Train program, go to cpr.ca. The Holiday Train is also on Facebook and Twitter @CPHolidaytrain #CPHolidayTrain

SOURCE: Canadian Pacific

Media Contacts:
Canadian Pacific       
Ed Greenberg
612-849-4717 (cell)
[email protected]

*CP Media Line: 1-855-242-3674 (24/7-Toll Free)

Feeding America
Angela DePaul
312.641.5695
[email protected]