CGC presents cheques to Wheatland County Food Bank, Siksika Food Centre

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Representatives from CGC participated at the Gleichen stop of the CP Holiday Train, Dec. 19, and presented donations to both the Wheatland County Food Bank, and Siksika Food Centre. 

The CP Holiday Train makes a tour of Canada and the United States every year to raise donations for local nonprofit organizations in each of its respective stop areas. 

“The holiday train is an event that is sponsored by CP Rail where it comes around and it is free to attend and people are encouraged to bring nonperishable foods to these two specific food banks in the area,” said Steve Youngblut, speaking on behalf of CGC. “Within this community, there is a lot of excitement for this event, it attracts people from all around the region, they bring their families, they take part in special events and entertainment and they do some Christmas shopping at the local market that is provided there.”

The event consisted of a Christmas market, live music in the train, and an opportunity for community members to make contributions to the Wheatland County and Siksika food banks. 

Though actual attendance numbers were not available, Youngblut said CGC was excited to be part of the celebration.

“Beyond just making a donation, we are looking at it as an opportunity to start conversations with the people around the community who we are going to be spending a significant amount of time with now that we are going to be moving in here,” he said. “This is consistent in all of the markets that we participate in where we engage and we have facilities. Our main priority is to really be responsible and engage communities and neighbours wherever we do business.”

Participation in the CP Holiday Train event is a new activity for CGC, being a relatively new presence within the local community. 

CGC is currently in the permitting and build stage to construct a wallboard manufacturing facility in Wheatland County. 

The team was excited to use the event as an opportunity to have face-to-face conversations with local residents and community members.

“We are not only doing this just to get the local supporters around us and to meet them as we make this investment … this is part of our culture,” said Youngblut. “This is what we do right across Canada and right across North America.”

CGC intends to participate in the CP Holiday Train on an annual basis going forward, and is committed to continuing to give back to the Wheatland County community.