The lunch train pulled into the station at Greens and Beans Deli during its inaugural trip.
Leona Green used the unveiling of the new electric train at her Sapperton restaurant to raise funds to help the community of Lac-Megantic, Quebec. The diner's new lunch train delivers meals to some of the diners.
"Our fundraiser was a rousing success," Green said in an email to The Record. "We are at $1,500 and counting. We will continue selling raffle tickets for the Max Jacquiard print until Dec. 7 so won't have a final total until then."
Jacquiard, a New Westminster resident who is considered to be "the Robert Bateman of trains" in the art world, donated one of his prints to the fundraiser. He and his wife also attended the recent event.
People can continue to buy raffle tickets with each $5 donation; the winner will be selected Dec. 7.
Alan Cruickshank, an 82-year-old New Westminster resident and a model train enthusiast, served as engineer at the Train Day fundraiser. Coun. Chuck Puchmayr was acting mayor and officiated over the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Funds raised at Greens and Beans will help the town of Lac-Megantic, Quebec, where 47 people died and portions of the town were destroyed after a train rolled down a hill and several tankers carrying crude oil derailed and exploded.
The deli also donated all the proceeds of soup sold at the Sept. 14 fundraiser to the cause.
Green and her son Matt are grateful to the support they received from New Westminster residents for the fundraiser. In addition to Jacquiard, local graphic artist Wilson Becket created cards of Jacquiard's work that are being sold as part of this fundraiser, and Coun. Lorrie Williams has been selling raffle tickets to politicians from across the country.
Donations are also being collected for Lac-Megantic (and other fundraisers) in jars at the counter of Greens and Beans, which is located at 143 East Columbia St.
Through the years, Green has raised funds to help causes such as the Royal City Humane Society, New Westminster junior and intermediate A Salmonbellies, and relief efforts after a tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricane Katrina.
