Students in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent are getting a leg up from Noelle's Gift to Children.
The well known children's charity has announced a donation of $188,500 to the St. Clair Catholic and Lambton Kent district school boards to support students and families in need.
The money will be used to purchase eyeglasses, clothing, food, medicine, and medical equipment, and will be dispersed independently by the two boards.
Teachers are able to access up to $200 for children in need, and requests in excess of $200 are made by the principal and are processed quickly, to get help to families as soon as possible.
Catholic Board Director of Education Scott Johnson is thrilled.
"For 10 years now, Noelle’s Gift to Children, with guidance and care from the Paquette family, has provided tremendous support for students and families who need help," said Johnson. “What a tremendous gift to our communities; and an awesome legacy for Noelle, who was a much-loved daughter, sister, friend and teacher.”
Public Board Director John Howitt echoed Johnson's sentiments.
"The positive impact of Noelle’s Gift to Children is felt throughout our schools every single day," said Howitt. "They are unique in that they are able to meet a wide array of emergent and unanticipated needs, quickly and confidentially."
The Noelle’s Gift to Children charitable fund was established in memory of Noelle Paquette, a former Kindergarten teacher with St. Clair Catholic, who passed away in January 2013.
"We're super grateful for their support [and] the community support. We definitely would not be where we are today in being able to help all of the students in need [to] grow up great," said Nicole Paquette.
You can find more information about Noelle's Gift by visiting www.NoellesGift.ca.
