By Matt Weinagrden
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tilbury Times Reporter
The spirit of community, compassion and youth leadership shone brightly on recently, as more than 150 participants gathered for the second annual Light Up the Night for Noelle – Chatham-Kent Edition, raising $11,329 in support of Noelle’s Gift to Children.
The growing event once again brought families, students, educators and volunteers together in a shared effort to help children across the region access essential supports.
Now in its second year, the C-K edition of Light Up the Night has quickly become a meaningful part of Noelle’s Gift’s expanding presence in the municipality. Organizers said the continued growth of the event reflects both the generosity of local residents and the increasing need for community‑driven fundraising to support children facing barriers related to poverty, food insecurity and emergency needs.
Schools across the Lambton Kent District School Board played a central role in this year’s success. Indian Creek Road Public School (ICRPS) led all fundraising teams with more than $3,600 raised.
Indian Creek student Quinn Sleightholm earned top individual honours, raising $2,318.50 and helping inspire classmates and families to get involved.
Teams from Tecumseh Public School, Blenheim District High School, Wallaceburg District Secondary School/Wallaceburg District Elementary School, McNaughton Avenue Public School, and Winston Churchill Public School also contributed significantly, organizers said.
A dedicated team of volunteers from John McGregor Secondary School (JMSS) once again played a pivotal role in bringing the evening to life. Guided by educator Danielle Barr, the JMSS leadership class helped co-ordinate activities, welcome participants, manage logistics and ensure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
Funds raised through Light Up the Night will directly support children across Chatham-Kent by providing essential items such as clothing, nutrition supports, hygiene products and emergency assistance.
Organizers expressed deep gratitude to the families, students, educators, volunteers and community members who contributed to this year’s event. They noted that the combination of school‑based fundraising, community participation and youth leadership continues to strengthen the impact of Noelle’s Gift across Chatham-Kent.
“The generosity and enthusiasm of the community really continues to brighten the lives of children across the region and fuel the ongoing growth of Noelle’s Gift in Chatham-Kent,” race organizer and LKDSB staff member Bryan Cowden said in a media release.
He added that the event’s success demonstrates how collective action can make a meaningful difference for children who rely on community support.
