Terry Fox Run - September 15, 2024

A Conversation with Two CN Terry Fox Supporters Fiona Murray, CN retiree (2020) and long time Terry Fox Run supporter, sat down to dinner with Suzanne Dalzell, Head of Strategic Partnerships at CN and Judy Potten, another recent CN retiree, to chat about the upcoming Terry Fox Run. Here’s what they had to say: Fiona Murray (FM): What a pleasure to connect over a great meal to talk about the 44th annual Terry Fox Run. I assume both of you will be joining Team CN on September 15? Suzanne Dalzell (SD): Of course! We’re planning for another impressive CN team to participate in the Montreal Run. In fact, I’m thrilled to share that this year we’re putting together a Team CN in several other Canadian cities as well, including Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto. The locations will be posted on the CN Employees’ and Pensioners’ Community Fund website and by the time pensioners are reading this, they’ll be able to register as a participant on Team CN in their preferred location. Judy Potten (JP): Yes absolutely! I’m really looking forward to being involved again, especially after a great experience last year. As a volunteer run organizer, I was fortunate to have many of my family and friends help out. It was a beautiful day and the atmosphere was incredibly uplifting. I loved every minute. FM: Suzanne, I know CN’s Strategic Partnerships team and the CN Community Fund put a lot of effort into planning a well-organized and fun day for employees. What are you planning this year and why should CN pensioners get involved? SD: First of all, we’re all CNers, regardless of whether we’re active or retired! You and Judy are proof of that. Many retirees strongly identify as CN railroaders. They were active in their communities during their working years and post-retirement, many still volunteer their time through the CN Railroaders in the Community program. I recognize the incredible value our retirees bring as CN ambassadors. That’s why we’re encouraging them to join Team CN for the Terry Fox Run on September 15. I won’t uncover all our plans for Run Day, but I can tell you that everyone who joins Team CN in the selected locations will receive a gift to proudly wear the CN colours. You simply need to register as a participant on the Community Fund website prior to Sept 15, and check in at the CN tent on Run Day to pick up your gift (quantities are limited so register early!). FM: Judy, you’re a fairly recent retiree and a CNPA member - Why do you like getting together with CN employees and other CN retirees? JP: I pretty much grew up at CN - I started at the railway when I was in my teens. It’s like a family reunion when I see former colleagues and friends, and I always enjoy meeting new retirees. FM: And how to you both feel about CN’s relationship with the Terry Fox Foundation? SD: We all know someone whose life has been affected by cancer. As a Terry Foxer myself, I’m personally very proud of CN’s partnership with the Terry Fox Foundation. The Fox family is a CN family too. However, the connection goes beyond the fact that Terry’s father, uncle and brother were proud CN railroaders. Back in 1980, Terry’s Marathon of Hope helped connect millions of Canadians around a common goal: finding a cure for cancer. He lived and breathed the values we see in CN railroaders - perseverance, determination, courage, and compassion. Terry never gave up, no matter what, and I see that same fierce spirit reflected in our railroaders who pull together and make great things happen against all odds. JP: I’m impressed and proud at the level of support that CN has demonstrated to the Terry Fox Foundation. Cancer is a terrible disease that has touched all of us in some way, and I’m happy to be part of an event that will benefit so many. FM: So last question - are you going to run the 5 km or are you going to walk it? JP: Last year as an organizer, I was too busy to do the run! But I will definitely walk the 5 km if you do, Fiona! SD: I am up for running again! But what I like about the Terry Fox Run is, it’s all-inclusive and non-competitive. Participants of all ages can join by walking, running, or simply showing up to help celebrate Terry’s legacy. It’s a great way to connect with your community and make some noise - another thing that CNers and the Terry Fox Foundation have in common! FM: However you choose to participate, I look forward to seeing you both at the Run on September 15th. I’ll be checking for the details on how to register on the CN Community Fund website, and I really look forward to hearing about Team CN’s expansion to new locations across Canada later this fall.