Beyond the tracks, Canada Rail Vacations is actively involved in supporting local causes and charities. Our commitment as a company to donate train trips aligns seamlessly with our mission to showcase the breathtaking beauty of Canada. By extending the joy of travel to those who may not have the opportunity otherwise, we aim to enrich the lives of recipients while also promoting tourism and appreciation for the diverse landscapes that define our nation.
At the heart of it all is the understanding that we are fortunate enough to be able to help those in need, and it’s a responsibility we embrace with gratitude. Our charitable initiatives are a testament to the positive impact that a shared journey can have on individuals and the communities we touch. Through these efforts, we aspire to create a ripple effect of goodwill, reminding us of the significance of lending a helping hand whenever we can.
Recent and Upcoming Donations
2024 Kids Up Front Charity Live Auction
Trip Value: $10,109.40
Bid on this Tour Package by Live Auction in Calgary on March 7, 2024.
We’ve donated a four day train trip with Rocky Mountaineer. Ride the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train through the Canadian Rockies! On this historic Canadian Pacific Railway route through Banff National Park, you will see the very best of Canada’s landscapes: mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re the winning bidder, your donation will directly support Kids Up Front Calgary, which provides experiences to deserving children and youth in the Calgary area. We believe all kids should have access to enriching experiences like arts, culture, and sporting events. Kids Up Front reaches children in need through their innovative program by distributing tickets, classes, and passes to more than 150 partner agencies in the Calgary area. This is the third trip we’ve donated to Kids Up Front over the past years.
Branch Out Foundation
Trip Value: $10,109.40
This tour package will be auctioned off by live auction on June 8, 2024 in Panorama, BC.
We’ve donated a four day train trip with Rocky Mountaineer. Ride the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train through the Canadian Rockies! On this historic Canadian Pacific Railway route through Banff National Park, you will see the very best of Canada’s landscapes: mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
The Branch Out Neurological Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in Calgary, Alberta Canada. They accelerate tech solutions and alternative approaches to neurological disorders, including research projects focused on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism, Depression, Multiple Sclerosis, Concussion, and Epilepsy. This is important to us because the founders of Branch Out (Crystal Phillips and Graham Daw) are good friends of ours. We’ve seen what they do for the community and we’re always there to support them.
2023 Calgary Flames Alumni Golf Tournament Auction
Trip Value: $10,329.90
We donated a four day train trip with Rocky Mountaineer. This tour is aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer for two full days along the historic Canadian Pacific Railway route from Vancouver to Banff.
The winning bidder was June Younge, who took her daughter Allison on the trip. We met up with her in Banff and learned more about their trip over lunch.
The funds raised from this year’s event went to expand the Adapted Bike Program to grow their inventory and variety of bicycles and equipment. Residual funds will be dedicated to supporting the increasing demands for family resources, crisis & adapted equipment funding as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The tournament was held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, with 100% of the tournament proceeds directly benefiting Cerebral Palsy Kids & Families. Their organization has provided support, resources, and opportunities to children and families living with a physical disability, including cerebral palsy for over 70 years. Martin, Spencer and Dalton of Canada Rail Vacations teamed up with Lanny McDonald in the tournament.
2023 Ups and Downs Charity Auction
Trip Value: $9500.00
Step back into a golden past aboard “The Canadian” train – destination Toronto. With five days aboard the train, you’ll be mesmerized by Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Prairies, and lake country, you’ll be rocked to sleep by the motion of the train and you’ll savour made-to-order meals as you glide across our great country. This nostalgic journey from Vancouver to Toronto aboard this 50’s era train is one you’ll never forget and one our guests enjoyed.
Founded in 1984 and registered as a charity in 1987, Ups & Downs has been supporting individuals who have Down syndrome, their families, and friends in the Calgary area for over 20 years.
Pan Ohio Hope Ride
Donation: USD $1000
The Pan Ohio Hope Ride is a fully supported bicycle tour of the State of Ohio, benefiting the American Cancer Society. Proceeds from the 2024 charity cycling fundraiser support the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge located in Cleveland, Ohio.
When patients must travel far from home for treatment, the American Cancer Society Hope Lodges provides free accommodations near Cleveland’s premier treatment centers.
This is important to us as one of our all-time favourite customers had cancer and we wanted to give back. We formed a team to help raise money for the good folks in Ohio and we’ve donated over USD $15,000 to the cause over the past 8 years.
