Noelle's Gift to Children

Noelle's Gift to Children is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization run by a volunteer board of 21 members, including teachers, business owners, and community champions.

The funds raised go to support many different local initiatives, all benefiting children. "Our goal is to support kids and make sure they grow up great. If they need clothing, food, school supplies, or eyeglasses, we want to make sure they have them," explains Lynn Paquette, Noelle's mom and chair of the board.

The Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent communities have shown tremendous support for Noelle's Gift. The charitable organization, established in 2013, recently surpassed $2.8 million in funds raised. After Noelle Paquette died tragically in 2013, her family and friends created Noelle's Gift in her honour. "After the tragedy that happened to our family, we received a call from one of Noelle's dearest friends, Kyle, who had created a website, www.noellesgift.ca, to help give back to children in the community. Noelle always wanted to make her students, as she often called them, 'smash hits.' This has helped our family heal." At the same time, there was an in-trust bank account opened by a kind, anonymous individual that raised $16,000 on the first day. "The community was so shocked by what happened; this was their way to show support."

The funds given to the school boards are used to make urgent purchases for kids in need. Recently, in partnership with Dow Canada & the Carpenters Local 1256, they have built, installed and stocked Noelle's Gift Closets in several schools to ensure students have immediate access to items urgently needed. The closets will be replenished through their annual funding to the schools. "The needs seem endless at times, but we know we are helping," shares Lynn.

The Noelle's Gift committee organizes several pay-it-forward family events throughout the year. "In November we host a Winter Family Fun Day, with horse and buggy rides, pizza, popcorn, movies, crafts and families can get a picture with Santa. It warms your heart to see all the kids meeting Santa," explains Nicole Paquette, committee member, and Noelle's sister. On Wednesdays, during the summer months, they sponsor free swimming at Tecumseh pool as well as host a Summer Family Fun Day. "We also support many local organizations that offer services to children, including St. Clair Child & Youth, Rebound, The Inn of the Good Shepherd, and Literacy Lambton, to name a few. The student nutrition programs for both Lambton and Kent counties are also a high priority on our list!"

Fundraising plays an important role for the organization as its main source of revenue. Noelle's Gift of Fitness, founded by one of Noelle's favourite fitness instructors, Marg Stewart, was the first organized fundraising event for the charity. Today, their list of annual events includes a Gala in January, Count Your K's in May, a July golf tournament, Light up the Night for Noelle Walk/Run in October, and a year-end Vehicle & Cash Lottery.

Noelle's Gift updates all events on www.noellesgift.ca and their Facebook and Instagram pages. Lynn is proud of the achievements of the organization.