NB Southern Railway and the Children's Wish Foundation (New Brunswick Chapter) share a special bond, one that is particularly evident during the holidays! Their annual Polar Express: Believe in Wishes December train rides have fast become a favorite family tradition and critical fundraiser for the community foundation. For more on these train rides, see here!

With preparations well underway for the 2019 train rides, these two organizations came together again to submit a joint float to both the Saint John and Lancaster Santa Claus Parades. 

The float is a masterpiece built by NB Southern and jointly decorated by railway staff and foundation volunteers. Painted green to match the railway's familiar locomotive fleet, and embellished with the businesses' logos, the float features a working smoke stack, whistle and sound system!

“We first partnered with the Children’s Wish program in late 2017, and it seemed like a quick and easy decision for us to come aboard. It was a tremendous success,” says Ian Simpson, General Manager of NB Southern Railway. “Our team lives and works in this area, and in Maine, and it’s a cause we feel great about supporting. Given the holiday season, it make perfect sense to work on the float together.”

"The Children’s Wish Foundation, New Brunswick Chapter was thrilled to partner with NB Southern Railway for the Saint John Santa Claus Parade," adds Kristin Colville, Provincial Director of the organization's provincial chapter. "NB Southern is an outstanding supporter of Children’s Wish, not only assisting in granting heartfelt wishes to local children but also for helping to create magical memories for families in our community through our Polar Express “Believe in Wishes” train ride." 

"Our wish families, volunteers, and staff certainly got in the holiday spirit participating in the parade on Saturday. It was heartwarming to hear the young spectators yelling to our elves they were excited to be joining us on our holiday train ride in a few short weeks! Thanks to NB Southern and their continued support, we will be able to grant multiple heartfelt wishes to children in our province this holiday season. Though the Polar Express “Believe in Wishes” train ride has sold out, a donation to the Children’s Wish Foundation can be made at www.childrenswish.ca/thepolarexpresssj. Merry Wishmas!"

Volunteers braved the cold weekend weather on both November 16 and 23 to attend the parades and accompany the float, including railway retiree Gary Graham in full conductor uniform! 

Driver, Chuck Allan, hauled the float on both occasions as well, making it a family outing!

Thank you to everyone whom helped bring our float to life. We look forward to seeing up to 2,000 guests join us again for the Polar Express: Believe in Wishes events on December 7 and 8 in Saint John, and December 14 in McAdam!