In the 'Nick' of Time

By 250 News

Salvation Army Kettle Campaign Assistant, Corey Walker, outside the Santa Train

Prince George, B.C. -  The man of the hour, Old Saint Nick, arrived just in time to save the evening for tiring children and their parents waiting for the first two rides of the Salvation Army's annual Santa Train...

The first load of 200 passengers was supposed to leave the VIA Rail station at First Avenue at 7:15pm, but VIA staff say a CN freight train was responsible for a 45-minute delay.   

When the passenger train made its first stop at the station at 8pm, the waiting room quickly cleared...making way for the second batch of passengers, who had been crowding into VIA's foyer.

While a few people expressed concern over bedtimes being pushed passed 10pm, the kids and their parents waited patiently for their turn on the 14th annual ever-popular fundraiser for the Salvation Army.

Any grumblings seemed to be forgotten, as the 8:15 passengers made their way aboard at 9pm...with a few lucky ones getting the coveted seats in the skyline dome car.

Santa Claus had boarded near the Otway Ski Centre on the first ride out and spent his time on the second ride handing out candy canes, chatting, posing for pictures and thanking all the little ones for their patience.

His tardiness was quickly forgiven.

Another 400 passengers will pack the VIA rail station for two more rides, again at 7:15 and 8:15pm, on Sunday evening.  And Kettle Campaign Volunteer Assistant, Corey Walker, would like to remind those coming out that a volunteer will be on-site to accept their donations of cash and any non-perishable food items.

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