Officials with Canadian Pacific have announced they are canceling the 2020 Holiday Train tour and instead will host a virtual concert.

In a press release, officials said this is due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials say they will donate to food banks in communities along its network and host a virtual concert instead. The modified program will “draw attention to food security issues, while ensuring donations go to all food banks that would ordinarily receive them.”

“COVID-19 has created many challenges for communities across our network and has only increased the need at local food banks and food shelves,” said Canadian Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel. “It is our honor to continue to donate to communities across our network this year, even if the train itself will not run. The spirit of the Holiday Train program and the Christmas spirit will carry on this year through our virtual concert. We will have the Holiday Train rolling again spreading Christmas cheer as soon as it’s safe to do so!”

CP launched the Holiday Train in 1999, and every year since it has traveled across Canada and the northern U.S. raising money, collecting food and drawing attention to the important work of local food banks. In its first 21 years, the train has raised $17.8 million and collected 4.8 million pounds of food for local food banks in communities along CP’s network. The train has stopped in Dubuque and Bellevue in the past.

Officials say they plan to resume its regular schedule in 2021.

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