A train stopping across Richmond street between Oxford and Mill might normally be seen as a nuisance, but for Canadian Pacific’s “Holiday Train”, the city will make an exception.
Rolling through the Forrest city once a year, for the past 18 years, the Train brings entertainers to draw crowds to donate food and money to local food banks.
The logistics of such a task, while loved by most Londoners, can cause difficulty when shutting down one of the city’s busiest streets.
Mary Ann McDowell, the Operations Coordinator for the London Food Bank, says that having city officials on their side has made the entire effort possible.
“The city is great,” says McDowell. “They help us with the road closure. We take up a lot of space, we close Richmond street, which is not an easy feat on a weeknight. And they have been really good about helping us make sure that happens.”
She says that there are quite a few human components that coordinate the entire effort, and that each one is invaluable.
“London city Police, the City Council, those working tirelessly at City Hall who help us with that road closure, it’s been wonderful to have that partnership,” McDowell says.
With thousands of Londoners showing their support for the event, the Holiday Train’s campaign is expected to thrive.
