The CP Holiday Train chugged through Midhurst on Friday afternoon, and with it came an early Christmas gift for the Barrie Food Bank.
The train, which is back for its 20th year, is putting forward an effort this time around to raise money, food and awareness for local food banks and food shelves.
On Friday, CP handed over a cheque for $2,500 to the Barrie and Elmvale Food Banks. The event coincided with the kick off for the Barrie Food Bank’s Holiday Food Drive.
Peter Sundborg, executive director with the Barrie Food Bank, says that this year the food bank is aiming its sights high with its biggest goal ever.
“We have a rather enormous goal: 200,000 pounds of food,” says Sundborg adding that it exceeds last year’s goal by 20,000 pounds.
“It’s to accommodate the growing need for food for our families,” he says. “We’ve increased the number of times (people can use the food bank) from eight times a year to 10 times a year.”
“We’re pretty enthusiastic,” laughs Sundborg. “We have a great community that supports us. We’re very optimistic that the community will come forward to help put food on the shelves.”
Sundborg says the food bank is in need of everything.
“Whatever food you’re putting in your grocery cart for your family, those are the same things that we need at the food bank,” he says.
Playing on the main stage during the stop in Midhurst were county superstar Terry Clark and openers Sierra Noble and Kelly Prescott.
