Noelle's Gift to Children announced that the recent Merry Magic fundraiser, hosted at Links of Kent from November 12-30, raised $10,000 to support local students across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton. The results were made possible by the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of local businesses and organizations, and the unwavering support of the community.
The multi-day event featured Gingerbread House making, a Senior's Tea, Breakfast with Santa, School Field Trips, and its largest draw a Tree Raffle, where community members purchased raffle tickets to "bid" on trees donated by local businesses and organizations. The extraordinary generosity of the community ensured a meaningful contribution that will directly benefit students across all three major boards in Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.
"It's no secret that Chatham-Kent residents are some of the most generous and giving people," said Caress Lee, Chair, Chatham-Kent Chapter of Noelle's Gift to Children. "They step up and stand behind important causes time and time again. I am so proud of the incredible support the community has repeatedly shown to Noelle's Gift to Children because it has a direct, daily impact on students right here in CK."
"We are so grateful for the incredible individuals who donated their time and energy toward this event," said Gary Girardi, Director of Education, Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB). "Following the success of the Light Up the Night for Noelle run in Chatham-Kent last spring, it is wonderful to once again see the community so generously support a charity that does so much for our students, every single day."
Founded in 2013 in memory of Noelle Paquette a passionate elementary school teacher who often provided meals, supplies, and clothing to students Noelle's Gift to Children ensures every child has the resources they need to grow up healthy, confident, and ready to learn. The charity focuses on education, healthy growth, resilience, nutrition, and necessities to support student success.
How funds help local students
Noelle's Gift to Children operates a range of practical, school-focused supports:
- Noelle's Gift Closet Initiative: School-based closets stocked with clothing, hygiene products, backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles, and underwear, available discreetly so students can get what they need without stigma or delay.
- Student Nutrition Program Support: Financial support that helps schools provide healthy food during the day so students can focus and learn.
- Grade 1 Water Bottle Program: Every child moving from Kindergarten to Grade 1 receives a reusable water bottle to build healthy hydration habits.
- Emergency School Support: Quick-access funds and supplies for daily essentials when school staff identify urgent needs.
- Community Events: Including Light Up the Night for Noelle, Family Fun Days, and the annual Noelle's Gift Gala events that raise funds and bring the community together.
Building on the community's momentum, Noelle's Gift to Children is already planning two Chatham-Kent events:
- 2nd Annual Light Up the Night for Noelle - Chatham-Kent: April 24
- Golf Tournament at Links of Kent: August 15
Details and registration information for both upcoming events coming soon!
About Noelle's Gift to Children
Established in January 2013 after the tragic passing of Noelle Paquette, Noelle's Gift to Children continues Noelle's legacy of compassion by ensuring students have the essentials to thrive at school and beyond. The organization's mission is to help children grow up healthy, confident, and ready to learn, with values rooted in education, healthy growth, resilience, nutrition, and necessities.
