Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/664072
Holiday Trains and Automobiles "The people we support enjoy the same activities that we do. When Robert and Donna heard about the party bus, their ears perked up, and they knew they wanted to try it. This year, they had a blast going to see the Christmas lights and music at the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stop." ANNALEAH SWENSON, RESIDENTIAL MANAGER AT CHI FRIENDSHIP What better way to celebrate the holidays than with hot chocolate, time with friends, and Christmas lights? For Christmas 2014, Donna rented a party bus for her and her friends to view Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park in Fargo. In 2015, Robert wanted in as well. To do something a little dierent, Robert, Donna, 13 of their friends, and seven CHIFriendship associates rented the social bus to drive an hour to Hankinson, North Dakota. In addition to socializing on the bus with snacks and music, the destination held something special, too—a viewing of the 2015 Canadian Pacic Holiday Train stop in Hankinson. LIGHTS, MUSIC, AND MORE The 11-car Holiday Train is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights and carries ve musicians and Santa Claus over thousands of miles to collect nonperishable food items for those in need. Since the program started more than 15years ago, the Holiday Train has raised $9 million and collected more than 3 million pounds of food. In Hankinson, the food drive beneted the Richland-Wilkin Emergency Food Pantry in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Before the train's arrival, Donna, Robert, and their friends got to spend time with Santa Claus and drink hot chocolate, as well as have a delicious chili dinner. With the arrival of the train, the evening was spent listening to free music, talking with friends, and enjoying the Christmas atmosphere. "On the bus ride back, we also had cookies and treats," said Annaleah Swenson, Residential Manager at CHI Friendship. "Everyone had a great time being with friends, celebrating the holidays, and taking a new adventure." To learn more about social events at CHI Friendship, visit chifriendship.com. Friendship Inc. 801 Page Dr Fargo, ND 58103-2315