8.4°C Not observed 
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train made a performance stop in Lytton on Dec. 17 as part of its Christmas tour to over 130 communities in six provinces and eight American states.
In the last decade, the Holiday Train has help raise $4 million and 2 million pounds of food for local food banks.
Like a magical moment bringing the "spirit of the season" to Lytton, the CPR train arrived with its holiday boxcars brightly decorated with flashing lights.
One of the cars opened to reveal a stage and then the audience was treated to a show.
The Odds, an alternative rock band, and Shaun Verreault of the Canadian blues rock trio, Wide Mouth Mason, were on board the train, bringing a lively program of music and song to the Lytton audience as well as bringing awareness to the need for support at food banks.
CPR spokesperson Kristi Pinder opened the event, telling the audience this was the 11th year of CPR's involvement in supporting local food banks.
Lytton Mayor Jessoa Lightfoot welcomed the community and recognized the Canadian Pacific for its financial support. She also expressed appreciation to the railway for the opportunity to further the Christmas spirit through entertainment and helping those in difficult times.
Volunteers were on hand to accept donations of grocery items for Christmas food hampers. Food bank co-ordinators Esther Brown and Peggy Chute thanked the community for their support and CPR for the wonderful event.
Last year, approximately 29 Christmas food hampers were delivered to grateful families in the area.
CPR also presented a cheque for $1,000 to Chute. She thanked them for their donation, saying the money is always welcome.
The Holiday Train's boxcar door closed and the train prepared to travel on with four more performances left.
They left and continued their journey promoting the spirit of giving and leaving community food banks in better shape than when they arrived a scant few minutes before.
Follow the CP Holiday Train at www.facebook.com/holidaytrain.
