Journal staff
Representatives from Noelle’s Gift to Children and the Lambton Kent and St. Clair Catholic District School Boards recently celebrated the donation of $188,500 to date, to support students and families in need.
“For ten 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 Scott Johnson, director of education for the SCCDSB. “What a tremendous gift to our communities; and an awesome legacy for Noelle, who was a much-loved daughter, sister, friend and teacher.”
Noelle’s Gift to Children donated $158,000 to the school boards in 2022.
“The positive impact of Noelle’s Gift to Children is felt throughout our schools every single day,” added John Howitt, education director for the LKDSB. “They are unique in that they are able to meet a wide array of emergent and unanticipated needs, quickly and confidentially.”
Donations from Noelle’s Gift to Children are shared among both school boards to purchase eyeglasses, clothing, food, medicine and medical equipment. The funds are dispersed independently by the two boards.
Teachers are able to access up to $200 for children in need. Requests in excess of $200 are made by the principal and are processed quickly, to get help to families as soon as possible.
The Noelle’s Gift to Children charitable fund was established in memory of Noelle Paquette, a former Kindergarten teacher with the SCCDSB who passed away in January 2013.