Can you believe that there are only 20 days left to Christmas? Sunday evening Shawn and I took the kids to see the Canadian Holiday train that visits more than 70 Canadian communities in six provinces each year to raise money, food, and awareness for food bank programs in Canada and the United States.

Entertainers on the ‘Canadian Holiday Train’ included Canadian Blues rockers ‘Wide Mouth Mason’ and Country singer ‘Lisa Brokop.’

The train arrived here just after 6 pm, covered with over 5,000 lights. Though cold, Wide Mouth Mason and Lisa Brokop put on a great show. Our son had the perfect view from daddy’s shoulders.

It was a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Since 1999, the program has raised more than $2.4 million and close to 1.3 million pounds of food for food banks in Canada. The CPR hosts presented the director of our local food bank with a cheque for $3,000.

We were just one of 70 stops the train will be making . The train will be making its last stop Dec. 19 in Port Moody, B.C. If you are Canadian and the train visits your community, I recommend taking your family to see it.

Even if you miss the train as it journeys across Canada, I recommend supporting your local food bank by donating some non perishable items or consider making a financial donation. Tis the season for giving and giving back.

Rose DesRochers