CP, KCS Supporting Local Communities

CP and KCS are supporting the Homes for Heroes Foundation and The Salvation Army, respectively, in fundraising efforts.

Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) have continued their partnerships with the Homes for Heroes Foundation (HFHF) and The Salvation Army, respectively, to hold fundraisers for local communities.

Last month, CP hosted the fourth-annual Spin for a Veteran event to support Calgary, Alberta-based HFHF. Seven employee teams exercised on physically distanced spin bikes for 24 hours, riding a total of 5,382 kilometers (3,344 miles) and raising more than $400,000. All funds go directly toward building affordable housing for homeless veterans. Each $100,000 raised builds one home, according to CP, which has raised more than $1.2 million since the event was launched in 2016.

“CP’s support for the military and veterans is long-standing and steadfast,” CP President and CEO Keith Creel said. “We consider it a privilege to support veterans, and I am humbled to work with the Homes for Heroes Foundation in helping those who have sacrificed so much in serving us. Even with this modified event in the midst of a pandemic, we have raised important funds and awareness of the need to support homeless veterans who are struggling with the transition to civilian life. As a veteran myself, I am beyond proud of what the team accomplished with this year’s Spin for a Veteran event.”

“The pandemic has made it challenging for all communities across the country and we commend CP’s decision to still organize an event while ensuring safe pandemic protocols,” HFHF President Dave Howard said.

KCS announced in September that while it would not run its Holiday Express train this year due to the pandemic, it planned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the project with a fundraiser to benefit The Salvation Army in 20 communities along its U.S. rail network.

To date, the project has raised $148,115, and KCS has issued a challenge to raise more. KCS will donate $2 for every $1 raised, up to an additional $100,000 until Dec. 15. To donate, click here.

This year, even without train stops, communities in Arkansas (Decatur), Illinois (East St. Louis), Kansas (Pittsburg), Louisiana (Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport and Westlake), Mississippi (Gulfport, Jackson and Vicksburg), Missouri (Kansas City, Joplin and Mexico), Oklahoma (Heavener), and Texas (Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, Laredo and Port Arthur) will benefit from the fundraiser.