Local students are getting a big leg up, thanks to a $259,200 donation from Noelle's Gift to Children.
A cheque was presented Thursday to the Lambton-Kent and St. Clair Catholic District School Boards.
Public Board CEO Gary Girardi is thrilled and said the funds will be put to great use.
"It's used for direct support to our students in all of our schools, from emergency items to things like specific needs for individual students," said Girardi. "The beauty of it is that when the needs arise, Noelle's Gift and the funding that supports our schools goes directly to kids in a rapid fashion, which I think is very helpful to families and individual students. It is an unbelievable partnership and we couldn't be more thankful."
Funding requests for emergency dental, winter coats, and lice kits have been coming in, and it's hoped these funds can assist with that.
Noelle's mother, Lynn Paquette, said some of the money will also support the Ontario Student Nutrition Program.
"That's healthy snacks," she said. "The government only provides 25 cents per day, per child, and you can't even buy an apple for 25 cents. So we supplement some of that for our students in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent with the nutrition program."
Meanwhile, Noelle's Gift's annual gala will take place January 23, 2027, at the Four Points by Sheridan Point Edward.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, and you can learn more by visiting their website.
Since its inception, Noelle's Gift has donated over $5 million to various community groups.
The non-profit organization was established in memory of Noelle Paquette. The St. Clair Catholic District School Board kindergarten teacher was killed in January 2013.
