CALGARY, Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) welcomed the Prime Minister of Canada's recent recognition of the CP Holiday Train and specifically the hard work and dedication of thousands of community and employee volunteers who have made the annual rolling food bank fundraiser a success since 1999.

CP's annual Holiday Train received one of the first Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards, recognizing the role it plays in helping Canadian communities and food banks.  The ceremony took place in Ottawa on Friday, December 14th.

"Canadian Pacific is honoured the Prime Minister has recognized the Holiday Train initiative and we are extremely proud to receive this award," said E. Hunter Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Pacific. "The Prime Minister's Volunteer Award acknowledges the hard work, commitment and dedication of CP employees, food bank volunteers, and community organizers, who continue to demonstrate the importance of community and concern for their neighbours through the Holiday Train. They are the people who truly deserve this recognition."

The Holiday Train is a network-wide fundraiser benefiting local food banks in Canada and the United States. Until December 18th, two brightly decorated freight trains are travelling across the two countries raising money, food and awareness.

For its 14th year, more than 150 communities will experience the spirit of neighbours helping neighbours.  Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised close to C$6.4 million and about 2.6 million pounds of food for North American food banks. Everything raised in the local community stays in the community for local distribution.

The Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards recognize the exceptional contributions of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of families and their communities. The Awards highlight best practices in community leadership and encourage partnerships across sectors.

"The CP Holiday Train is an important employee and community initiative. The Prime Minister's Volunteer award is a testament to the role every person plays in having positive impact on their community," said Harrison.

About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is a low-cost provider that is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

SOURCE Canadian Pacific