The community has rallied once again to support Noelle’s Gift to Children through the Merry Magic fundraiser.
Held at the Links of Kent late last year, the initiative raised $10,000 to support children across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.
According to a media release, the multi-day event featured gingerbread house making, a senior’s tea, Breakfast with Santa, school field trips and a tree raffle where individuals bought tickets to bid on trees donated by businesses and organizations.
Caress Lee, chair of the Chatham-Kent chapter of Noelle’s Gift, had words of praise for the community’s generosity.
“It’s no secret that Chatham‑Kent residents are some of the most generous and giving people,” Lee said in the release. “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 C-K.”
Lambton Kent District School Board director of education Gary Girardi echoed Lee, stating it’s “wonderful” to see continued support for the charity, following the success of the Light Up the Night for Noelle Run in C-K last spring.
“We are so grateful for the incredible individuals who donated their time and energy toward this event,” Girardi said of the Merry Magic campaign.
Founded in 2013 in memory of elementary school teacher Noelle Paquette – whose life was tragically cut short – the non-profit provides resources to help students in need. They have Noelle’s Gift Closets in schools that are stocked with clothing, hygiene products, backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles and underwear which are distributed discreetly so students can get what they need without stigma.
Under the program, nutritious foods are provided and quick access funds and supplies are at the ready for teachers who identify students with urgent needs. In addition, every child moving from kindergarten to Grade 1 receives a reusable water bottle to build healthy hydration habits.
Two special events will be held this year to support Noelle’s Gift to Children. The second annual Light Up the Night for Noelle will take place in Chatham April 24 and a golf tournament will be held at Links of Kent Aug. 15.
