Work brought CN Railroaders in the Community Marielle Turgeon and Jim Bennett together, and they also share a love for music. The couple met at CN, and for the past 10 years they’ve volunteered for the Edmonton Jazz Society’s Yardbird Suite. Founded in 1957, it’s the oldest volunteer-run jazz venue in Canada.
Three evenings a month from September through June, Jim and Marielle spend five hours at the Yardbird, selling tickets in the box office, tending bar, greeting customers or working in the kitchen, preparing light snacks and cleaning up.
The couple also helps fundraise for The Littlebirds Big Band, an educational program run through the Society that has produced many professional performing musicians and teachers.
“We really enjoy giving back,” says Marielle, whose work was recently recognized through a CN Railroaders in the Community grant. “It's awesome that CN contributes on behalf of employees who volunteer,” adds Jim. “Many community, arts and cultural programs would not exist without the support of volunteers and donations. CN’s grant program encourages others to get out there and get involved.”