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Organizers of a perennial favourite in Prince Rupert are finishing up their plans, in order to be ready to pull The Jingle Bell Express out of the station on its once a year journey.

The seasonal train trip to Port Edward, organized by Dave Walker and the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce, will make its yearly journey on December 11th, travelling along the CN lines using VIA's rolling stock and staff.

The train trip sells out in mere minutes whenever the tickets go on sale and this year in order to help meet the demand for the journey, the organizers have secured a second coach for Santa to wander through on the trip to Port Edward and back.

All money raised from the sale of tickets to the special trip are donated to the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital's pediatric ward.

The details of this years plans were published in Friday's Daily News.

'Jingle Bell Express' set for magical ride
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday, October 19, 2007

Page Five

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Although it's early in the season, Dave Walker said the Jingle Bell Express is already confirmed and this year, Santa is providing an extra coach.

"We have confirmed it with Via Rail," said Walker. "And for the first time in 13 years, we are going to get the second day-coach."

The popular train ride to Port Edward raises funds for pediatric health services in Prince Rupert. This year, it will take place Dec. 11.

The Jingle Bell Express sells out every year in about 10 minutes as kids and their parents clamber for the opportunity to ride the scenic route with Santa.

It is organized by Walker and the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce and is made possible with the gracious assistance of Via Rail, who provide the train cars and staff as well CN Rail, who provide the track and staff.

Walker explained that every year, even though they make two trips, there are disappointed children who do not manage to get tickets.

With the extra day coach, this year, they hope to set aside a few tickets for those from Terrace who have always wanted to come to Rupert for the trip but have never been able to get the tickets.

"All the money goes to the pediatric ward. It's a very worthwhile cause," he said.

A day has not yet been confirmed for the sale of the tickets, which are usually gone very quickly despite a limit on the number of tickets an individual can purchase.

In addition, there will be blocks of tickets up for auction during the annual Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce gala this Saturday night at the Crest Hotel.

That event is also sold out.

Those who bid on the tickets will see all the funds raised go to the pediatric services at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital.

Riders embark on the VIA Rail train at the old Canadian National (CN) Station on the waterfront because that's where the train is stationed overnight. Santa greets the children as they board and usually hands out a few goodies.

Since its inception, the annual event has raised more than $10,000 for children's health.