Hundreds of children got a chance to take a ride with Santa on a Via Rail train Dec. 1.
As the train rolled out of the station heading west, children anxiously peered out the windows trying to catch a glimpse of St. Nick as he flew in from the North Pole.
Just as the train passed through a tunnel, he suddenly appeared with two elves in tow, handing out small goody bags.
Five-year-old Carter Schmidt said his favourite part of the trip was meeting Santa and said he hopes to get a remote control truck and a transformer for Christmas.
The annual event sold out within minutes of tickets going on sale, with all of the proceeds going toward Santas Anonymous.
Santas Anonymous organizes events throughout the holiday season to raise funds to aid more than 50 families. For more than 20 years, the organization has provided families with a gift and food hamper before Christmas.
Organizers said the event would not have been possible without the support of the Via Rail Canada staff and crew, as well as CN Rail.
Paul Clarke
[email protected]
