The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is the execution of a brilliant idea on many levels. What’s not to like about trains and Christmas; The Movie Polar Express comes to mind. First, The Holiday Train is a dream of a public relations vehicle. The train is visually stunning with its neon lit renovated boxcars and brings crowds of people together in the spirit of the season. Most importantly, however, the trains’ journeys raise millions of dollars in the form of non-perishable food and cash donations that stay at food banks and pantries in each local community.
CP trains criss-cross upper North America bringing awareness that the holiday season is about giving to those less fortunate. Two brightly lit trains will begin their journeys just outside Montreal on their way to visit approximately 150 communities finishing their journeys in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
The CP Holiday Train is stopping in the Wauwatosa Village this December for the first time in its 17-year history thanks to two local girl scouts. The girls created a partnership with local volunteer organization, Tosa Cares, in order to bolster Wauwatosa food and assistance programs.
Michela Miller and Madison Sveum, Longfellow Middle School students and Troop 1185 girl scouts, made it their goal to make the Wauwatosa village railroad crossing one of CP’s stops on its journey across the US. After hours of research and presentations to the City of Wauwatosa, safety organizations, Tosa Cares and Canadian Pacific, their wish was granted.
A short concert takes place at each stop. This year’s performances feature Canadian acts Kira Isabella and Doc Walker. The concerts are always free. The Holiday Train Program encourages people attending events to bring heart healthy donations. Tosa Cares is in charge of collecting donations at each stop in Tosa.
In combination with the Holiday Train concert, The Village of Wauwatosa will conduct its annual tree lighting festivities earlier that the same night. The schedule of events kicks off about 5:45 at Root Common. This is a great opportunity to share in the holiday magic and help some of our neighbors in the process.
Please see the schedule of events below noting that times are subject to change.
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- 5:45pm – Holidays songs led by McKinley Elementary School Chorus
- 6:00pm – Santa arrives
- 6:10pm – Music by Sophia’s Heart Foundation
- 6:20pm – Tree Lighting
- 6:30-8:15 – Kids crafts, treats and time with Santa throughout the Village
- 8:15 – CP Holiday Train Arrives
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tosacares.org cpr.ca wauwatosavillage.org