CN supports BC communities celebrating 150 years of our province's history

VANCOUVER, B.C., Jan. 30, 2008 — CN today announced the creation of the CN Community Celebration Fund in support of BC150 celebrations. The $150,000 fund will support community-based initiatives celebrating 150 years of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858.

Communities throughout BC are planning events that showcase the province's cultural diversity, rich history and significant achievements. The CN Community Celebration Fund will provide assistance to those communities along CN's rail corridor.

“CN is pleased to offer its support to local communities as BC celebrates this important milestone,” said Jim Vena, senior vice-president Western Region. “Our own connection with BC dates back over 100 years and the CN Community Celebration Fund demonstrates our commitment to the communities through which we pass, and where many of our employees live and work.”

One of the major projects CN's Community Celebration Fund will sponsor is RiverMania which involves a fleet of boats leaving Prince George on August 24th, and traveling down the mighty Fraser, arriving in Steveston on September 28th.

Communities along the Fraser River route are already planning a number of events to mark the fleet's passage. The CN Community Celebration Fund has set aside $50,000 to support RiverMania through this vital trade route, much of it shared with CN. The remaining $100,000 will be directed to other BC communities, not along the RiverMania route, but along other CN corridors.

In all cases, community donations will range from $2,000 to $5,000, based on the size of the community.

In addition to the CN Community Celebration Fund, CN donated $100,000 to partner with the Historica Foundation and others sponsors to publish and distribute 200,000 calendars to high school students. The 2008 calendar chronicles the history of the province with captivating photos, quotes, events, pop culture, and great moments in the province's history.

With so much to celebrate this year, CN hails BC for its immense progress and looks forward to helping create a vibrant economy and an even brighter future.

For the CN Community Celebration Fund criteria and the application form, please contact the community fund office at 604-638-7455. The deadline for submitting applications is March 17, 2008.