By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Noelle Paquette’s legacy of kindness and generosity is about to impact Chatham-Kent youngsters in a big way.
Named in honour of the caring Lambton County teacher whose life was tragically cut short in 2013, the bustling charity is formally establishing a Noelle’s Gift to Children chapter in C-K.
It will be chaired by Caress Lee, public relations co-ordinator for the Lambton-Kent District School Board, and co-chaired by Leah Cabral, communications supervisor with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.
Lee, a life-long resident of Chatham-Kent, said that while she had been aware of the charity, she didn’t understand the full scope of what Noelle’s Gift has been accomplishing over the last decade until she began working for the public board.
The organization offers a wide range of programs to help youngsters, including a student nutrition program that provides healthy snacks to support student learning.
There’s also the Noelle’s Gift Closet initiative, which stocks schools with essential items.
Schools also have access to emergency funds for daily necessities, and all Grade 1 students receive a Noelle’s Gift water bottle to promote healthy habits.
The charity also makes funding available for community efforts such as family fun days and other student-focused programs.
“Although I was familiar with Noelle’s Gift to Children before my role with the LKDSB, I never truly understood the depth of its impact,” Lee said in a media release. “It is truly a lifeline for countless families across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton, offering support when it’s needed most. The immediate, compassionate help provided to children and families, free from barriers, is nothing short of extraordinary. I am honoured to step into this role and know that the Chatham-Kent community will be supportive of such a vital cause that is helping children across Chatham-Kent every single day.”
Cabral echoed Lee’s comments.
“Noelle’s Gift to Children touches the lives of students in our schools every day, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team helping to extend that impact in Chatham-Kent,” Cabral stated. “Every child deserves to feel supported and have what they need to thrive, and Noelle’s Gift makes that possible in such a meaningful way.”
Noelle’s Gift is modelled after the educator’s actions when she was an elementary school teacher with the SCCDSB. Paquette would pack an extra lunch each day to give to a hungry child and would also make sure youngsters had the supplies they needed.
To celebrate the new chapter’s creation, Noelle’s Gift to Children is hosting its first-ever C-K “Light Up the Night for Noelle” spring race. On April 25, participants can take part in a 5K run or walk, or a 1K kid’s race at Mud Creek Trail in Chatham. All proceeds from the event will remain in Chatham-Kent to be used to support student initiatives.
C-K residents are asked to stay tuned for more details and to spread the word. Follow Noelle’s Gift on social media and visit its website’s events section (https://noellesgift.ca) for upcoming announcements.
