February 3, 2010

VIA Rail offers unique opportunities at its Vancouver Station


Cross-Canada Display Train and Canadian Athlete Event Signing

Enter to win a cross-Canada trip on board VIA’s flagship Canadian

VANCOUVER – With the eyes of the world on Canada, VIA Rail is pleased to announce it will host a number of athlete event signings at its Pacific Central Station in Vancouver in partnership with Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund), along with a display of rail cars from its flagship, Vancouver to Toronto, Canadian service. This is a unique opportunity to meet a CAN Fund recipient and Olympian and enter a draw for a chance to win a first-class sleeper touring trip for two between Vancouver and Toronto.  

Between February 17th and 24th, from noon to 5 p.m., the general public will be able to view a sleeping, dining, skyline, Park (360° dome) and Panorama viewing car.

For the past several years, VIA has been undergoing extensive renewal and growth.  “The Government of Canada is proud of its investments in VIA Rail which have led to major improvements to VIA’s trains, stations and infrastructure,” said Canada’s Minister of State (Transport), Rob Merrifield.  “Canada’s economic action plan is providing VIA the tools it needs to move passengers with speed and comfort.”

“VIA’s Canadian is recognized as one of the greatest train trips in the world.” said Marc Laliberté, VIA’s President and CEO.  “This display will give people a chance to see what a cross-country trip with VIA is all about.  For many, the time they spend in the classically-designed dining, sleeping and dome cars becomes a cherished memory in its own right.”

After visiting the display train, members of the public can fill in a ballot for a chance to win one of two first-class sleeper touring trips for two.  The Vancouver to Toronto trip is a four-day, four-night trip that includes fine dining featuring regional cuisine, comfortable sleeping accommodations, exceptional customer service and spectacular scenery. The draw is open to individuals eighteen years of age and older.  Acknowledging the value of the thousands of Canadian volunteers who are helping to make the games a success, a second trip will be drawn for the volunteers (official identification required).


CAN Fund recipient and Olympian Autograph Signings: 2-4p.m.

February 17 – Annamay Pierse, Swimming - 2008 Olympian and 200 m short course breaststroke world record holder

February 19 – Katie Weatherston, Ice Hockey – 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist

February 20 – Brian Price, Rowing – Men’s Eight, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist

February 22 – Sami Jo Small, Ice Hockey – 3-time Olympian and 2-time member of Olympic gold medal winning team (2002 and 2006)

February 23 – Alexandra Orlando, Rhythmic Gymnastics, 2008 Olympian, 3 Pan American Gold Medals

February 24 – Ben Rutledge, Rowing – Men’s Eight, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist

VIA Rail is proud to support our athletes through the Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund).  More information about CAN Fund can be found at canadianathletesnow.ca.  


About Can Fund
Canadian Athletes Now Fund is a not-for-profit organization devoted solely to raising funds and support for Canadian athletes. The CAN Fund has created a vehicle that connects Canadians directly to an athlete’s journey and success.  The Fund is the only organization in Canada that with each donation, you find out the name of the athlete supported and receive a tax receipt.  The direct funding is allocated by our athletes for nutrition, coaching, equipment, team fees, travel and basic living expenses.  CAN Fund is allowing athletes to pursue their dreams 


About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada provides efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, in both of Canada’s official languages.  Year round, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains per week linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network.  
 


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