Overwhelming generosity
Community Food Share received a cheque for $4,000 from Canadian Pacific to build awareness for hunger related issues at the CP Holiday Train in Finch. From left, MP Eric Duncan, Mayor Jim Wert, Community Food Share representative Jane Schoones and CP employee Pam. Bouwers photo
FINCH – With Christmas just around the corner, the community gathered in Finch to take in the annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train this past Wednesday. Donations of cash and healthy food items were collected for Community Food Share, serving Stormont and Dundas counties.
Special guests MP Eric Duncan and North Stormont Mayor Jim Wert were in attendance for this celebration. Duncan reminded participants of the origins of this holiday tradition: “Thank you to Bill McGimpsey who had this idea a few years ago and hounded CP until they decided to stop [in Finch] and they have been back every year since. So thank you to Bill, the local council and Community Food Share for making this happen each and every year.”
Mayor Jim Wert went on to say “Generosity is one of the building points we have in North Stormont and our surrounding communities and it’s never more evident than at this time of the year. So, to the many people who worked to put this together today, to the township staff, CP and Food Bank staff and everybody else, thanks very much for coming out and making this a successful event. We look forward to seeing you next year.”
The community gathered around to sing and dance to performances by Madeline Merlo and Scott Helman as they performed Christmas classics and current hits. Both entertainers engaged the crowd and kept them moving through the cold and drizzly weather.
The CP Holiday Train continued its journey toward Merrickville.
