At just five years of age, Quinn Sleightholm, a senior kindergarten student at Indian Creek Road Public School, is already making a big impact in her community.
Recently, Sleightholm was recognized as the top individual fundraiser for the Light up the Night for Noelle – CK Edition event, raising $1,270 for Noelle’s Gift to Children.
This inaugural event in Chatham-Kent saw 240 participants cross the finish line and raised more than $20,000 to help local children in need.
Noelle’s Gift to Children provides essential items for children across the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia Lambton communities. Sleightholm wanted to help others.
“Noelle’s Gift helps other kids get the things they need. It is important to me to help other kids, that’s why I wanted to raise money for the run,” she said in a media release.
Sleightholm gathered donations from family, friends, and the community.
When asked if this was something she would consider doing again, Sleightholm was enthusiastic.
“Yes, I would like to do it again because Noelle helps kids and that’s important,” she said.
Her favourite moments from the event? Running with her friends, the cheering crowd, and – of course – the glow sticks.
Fuelled by Sleightholm, her school was top fundraiser for the event, raising $3,540. Tecumseh came second at $2,599, while Winston Churchill was third best at $2,275.
John McInnis, $600, and Chad Wheeler, $540, rounded out the top three individual fundraisers for the event.
Sleightholm’s efforts impressed others, including her mother.
“As a teacher, I see the impact that Noelle’s Gift to Children makes in the lives of children, firsthand,” Allison Kelly, Sleightholm’s mother, and Lambton-Kent District School Board staffer said. “I am very proud of Quinn and incredibly thankful to our friends, family and community for helping her to help others.”
