Noelle’s Gift to Children Surpasses $5 Million in Support for Local Children

A gift that began in memory of one beloved kindergarten teacher has now grown into more than $5 million in support for children and families across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.

On Thursday, Noelle’s Gift to Children presented the St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) and Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) with a cheque representing $259,200 in funding provided to the two school boards over the past year.

With this year’s contribution, Noelle’s Gift to Children has officially surpassed an extraordinary milestone: more than $5 million donated since the organization was founded in 2013.

For students and families across both school boards, the impact of that generosity is felt every day.

Noelle’s Gift provides funding that helps supplement the Ontario Student Nutrition Program, supporting nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack programs in schools. Funding is also provided directly to schools to help meet individual student needs, including dental care, eyeglasses, lice treatment kits, winter coats, school supplies and other necessities that can make an immediate difference in a child’s life.

Across nearly all schools in both boards, Noelle’s Gift Closets provide another important source of support.

Designed to give students discreet access to everyday necessities while at school, each closet is tailored to the needs of its individual school community. While contents vary from school to school, closets commonly include personal hygiene products, non-perishable food, clean clothing and other essential items.

Together, these programs help schools respond quickly and compassionately when a student needs support, often without drawing attention to the circumstances that brought them there.

“We are incredibly grateful for Noelle’s Gift, for its volunteers and for their continued commitment to our students every single day,” said Lisa Demers, CEO/CEdO for St. Clair Catholic. “Their support reaches far beyond the items or funding they provide. It tells our students and families that their community cares about them and that they are not alone when they need a helping hand.”

The impact is equally significant for students and families within the Lambton-Kent District School Board.

“We absolutely could not provide the level of support we do for our students and families without Noelle’s Gift to Children,” said Gary Girardi, Chief Executive Officer for the Lambton-Kent District School Board. “The needs in our communities continue to grow, and Noelle’s Gift continues to be a bright light in our schools. Their generosity allows us to remove barriers for students in very real and practical ways, while ensuring they are supported with dignity and care.”

Noelle’s Gift to Children was established following the tragic death of Noelle Paquette in 2013.

A beloved kindergarten teacher, Noelle was known for her caring and generous spirit and for going above and beyond to make sure the children around her had what they needed to learn, grow and thrive.

Her family and community transformed that loss into a lasting legacy through Noelle’s Gift to Children, carrying forward the compassion she demonstrated throughout her life.

Thirteen years later, that legacy has reached an extraordinary milestone.

For Noelle’s family and the organization that carries her name, surpassing $5 million is also an opportunity to recognize the countless individuals, businesses, volunteers and community partners who have made that generosity possible.

“As much as the school boards are grateful to our organization, we are equally grateful to the communities that continue to support us,” said Lynn Paquette, founder of Noelle’s Gift to Children and Noelle’s mother. “It is individuals, families, businesses, volunteers and supporters who make this possible. Their generosity allows us to continue Noelle’s legacy and make sure children in our communities have the things they need to grow up great.”

While $5 million represents a remarkable milestone, the need continues.

For the SCCDSB and LKDSB, the longstanding partnership with Noelle’s Gift demonstrates what can happen when schools and communities work together around a shared commitment to children.

A coat can help a child get to school comfortably on a cold morning. A pair of glasses can allow a student to see the lesson in front of them. Breakfast can give a child the energy to focus and learn. Clean clothing or personal hygiene products can help a student feel comfortable and confident among their peers.

Individually, they may seem like small things. For a child who needs them, they can mean everything.

Community members who would like to support Noelle’s Gift to Children can learn more at www.noellesgift.ca.

The organization holds several fundraising initiatives throughout the year, including its annual Gala and Light Up the Night events in both Sarnia and Chatham.

Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring a Noelle’s Gift Closet within their community are also encouraged to contact Noelle’s Gift to Children. The organization can connect interested sponsors with the appropriate local closet coordinator.

Together, the Lambton Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board extend their sincere gratitude to Noelle’s Gift to Children, its volunteers, supporters, donors and community partners for continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.