The children are provided with a golden ticket, just like in the movie 'The Polar Express.' (Submitted)
Over $90,000 has been raised for the Children’s Wish Foundation in New Brunswick, thanks to a beloved holiday tradition.
‘The Polar Express’ is an annual train ride put on by JDI Ltd. and NB Southern Rail, who try to re-create the popular holiday movie by taking children and their parents on an immersive ride through the region.
Spokesperson Mary Keith says they’ve been running the train rides for the past three years in Saint John, and due to high demands, expanded it to another city.
“This year was the first year that it went to McAdam. So, beautiful historic railway station in McAdam. We were sold out on the three trips we did in McAdam, and we had a record-breaking eight trips in Saint John,” she said.
Keith says NB Southern Rail provided the foundation with three historic passenger cars and crews to staff the 11 sold-out train rides in Saint John and McAdam.
The children are provided with a golden ticket, just like in the movie ‘The Polar Express.’ There are goodies and hot chocolate and even a visit from Santa.
“All of it goes toward helping give children who are in need, it’s granting their wish,” said Keith.
She says over 2,000 guests participated in the train rides this year.
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- Volunteers from JDI, NB Southern Rail, and highschools in the area helped put on the event. (Submitted)
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- Over 2,000 guests participated in the ride. (Submitted)
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- ‘The Polar Express’ event is based on a popular holiday movie. (Submitted)
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- $98,000 was raised for the New Brunswick Children’s Wish Foundation. (Submitted)
“So all together the event raised $98,000,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful way to start the holiday season. We had so many wonderful families and children who were so excited to participate. We couldn’t have done it without the amazing volunteers.”
Keith says high school students in Saint John and McAdam also volunteered for the cause.
She says the event has come a long way since its beginnings three years ago.
“It’s been gaining some momentum in Saint John, which is a wonderful thing. When we first started I think we had three rides and this year it was eight, and every one of them was sold out. It’s a great cause and we’re committed to supporting it,” she said.
