Celebrating Michigan communities

The 60th anniversary of the Marshall Christmas Parade took place in downtown Marshall for all to see. The event was also broadcast live on YouTube.

Cherished event marks jubilee

Dec. 11, 2024

The stars came out in Michigan.

Twinkling in the eyes of attendees mirrored the sparkle and shine of a made-for-television Christmas parade celebrating its jubilee.

Hundreds lined the route Dec. 2 to enjoy the “sparkling splendor” of the 60th Marshall Christmas Parade in Calhoun County.

Though a yearly partner and supporter of the community holiday celebrations, Enbridge for the first time entered a float in the parade. It was among the more than 115 float entries.

“Enbridge has been a longtime sponsor of the downtown Marshall holiday decorations,” said Kirstie Staelens, Enbridge senior advisor, community engagement.

“This year, we were excited to participate in the parade with our friends and family as well as sponsor the city’s inaugural tree-lighting ceremony. It’s important for us to work together and to also celebrate.”

 

“Watching the community—including neighboring townships—come together is a wonderful start to the holiday season.”

—Kirstie Staelens, Enbridge senior advisor of community engagement in Michigan

The parade is among the many events in which Enbridge partners with the Michigan communities where the energy company operates.

This year, Enbridge also is supporting Operation Good Cheer in Oakland County.

Operation Good Cheer, managed for 54 years by Child and Family Charities, provides services and other support to children in foster care.

Throughout Michigan, the organization distributes approximately 20,000 gifts to children in foster care.

Staelens and colleagues from Enbridge’s Bay City team volunteered with the organization, sponsoring the children and assisting in the gift distribution program.

Enbridge ’s Greg Passeretti and Kirstie Staelens, and many others, contributed to Operation Good Cheer.

(From L-R) At the Marshall Christmas Parade, Jasmine Staelens (as Elsa), Chloe Staelens (as Anna), Kirstie Staelens, Karson Petrakovitz and Beau Thorn stroll the parade route.

(From L-R) Chloe Staelens (as Anna) and Jasmine Staelens (as Elsa) participated in the Marshall Christmas Parade.

Building community beyond the holidays 

“Enbridge’s holiday contributions reflect our year-round commitment to strengthening communities,” said Lauren Brown, Enbridge community engagement advisor.

“It is an honor to partner with hundreds of organizations that share our commitment to community.”

 

“From our family to yours, we wish you the very best of holidays and a happy New Year.”

—Lauren Brown, Enbridge’s community engagement advisor in northern Michigan

In 2023, Enbridge invested more than $17.3 million in community-strengthening initiatives by partnering with more than 4,100 organizations across the U.S. and Canada. That total included nearly $700,000 directed toward community initiatives in Michigan through the company’s Fueling Futures program.

“We live and work in Michigan. It’s important for us to give back and contribute to building the community fabric of this state,” added Brown.

The company’s commitment to help Michigan communities is year-round—in many different forms from helping people and families, to protecting the environment.

“At Enbridge, we fuel the quality of life within the communities we work and live—both with the energy we deliver and the energy our employees, my teammates, put into volunteering, donations, sponsorships and their overall commitment to good corporate citizenship,” said Staelens.