Canadian Pacific’s brightly decorated Holiday Train returns to the rails in late November, raising food, money and awareness for food banks across North America.

This is the second time the Holiday Train will pull into Castlegar and no one could be more pleased than Deb McIntosh of Community Harvest Food Bank.

“The last time they were here, there were truckloads and truckloads of food,” said McIntosh.

That will be welcomed more than ever, said McIntosh, who explained that each year, more and more people are in need of the food bank.

“I think the need is there more than ever. People are running out of EI, some have lost their houses and others are just starting to get back on their feet.”

In fact, McIntosh predicts some 300 families will have need of a hamper this Christmas, compared to 250 last year.

This year, the Holiday Train will stop in Castlegar on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the Heritage Society CP Station Museum, 400 - 13th Ave.

McIntosh encourages the community to come out and enjoy the lights and the entertainment.

“I think it’s great and they provide lots of entertainment. Come see the show and the kids can see the train.”

Last year, the Holiday Train helped raise more than $500,000 and 250,000 lb. of food and there is greater need this year.

“Canadian Pacific is proud to support communities where we operate, raising more than $4 million in funds and two million pounds of food in the Holiday Train’s first decade,” said CP president and CEO Fred Green. “Each year, the Holiday Train’s message gets stronger and the impact on our employees and in communities becomes more meaningful.”

At each stop, Canadian Pacific provides a brightly decorated train, a box car converted into a stage, great musical talent and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. The community, in turn, rallies together at this free event - donating food and funds, all of which stays in their community.

“Each month, thousands of Canadians are faced with making the very real choice between paying rent or buying food,” said Katharine Schmidt, executive director of Food Banks Canada. “Canadian Pacific has become an important partner in supporting these families in need.”