As we dive into the 2025 new year, the spirit of giving shines brightly in Sarnia at the annual Noelle's Gift Gala. The Noelle’s Gift to Children Charity, dedicated to providing underprivileged children with the essentials and opportunities they need to thrive, is gearing up for another year of providing resources to help children in the community.
Noelle’s Gift was founded in memory of Noelle Paquette, a beloved teacher who tragically passed away on New Year's Day of 2013. Noelle had a dream that every child could be a “Smash Hit”. Inspired by Noelle’s passion for helping children, her family and friends
established the charity to ensure that all children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to necessities like nutritional food, clothing, school essentials, eyeglasses, boots, and hats.
“When you see the children come up to you, and they say ‘Thank you, we’re so grateful for the warm coat you provided, or delicious food,’ or things like that, it is rewarding to see the children and the smiles on their faces," says Lynn Paquette, Noelle’s Mother.
The charity relies heavily on the generosity of the Sarnia-Lambton community. Donations are crucial to their success. This year Noelle's Gift has announced that they have hit an impressive milestone by raising over $4,000,000 in donations over the last 12 years, since its inception. Noelle’s Gift to Children charity is incredibly grateful for how generous the Sarnia-Lambton community is, as well as all of the Sponsors and Donors who come out to the Gala every year to support the children of the community.
Noelle’s Gift holds multiple community events throughout the year, including the “Noelle’s Gift Gala”, which holds a different theme with every gala, along with live auctions, live music, organization updates, and touching community success stories. Other community events that Noelle’s Gift holds include the Light Up The Night for Noelle run/walk, Family Fun Days, and many more that can be found on the events page of the Noelle’s Gift website.
"The Gala is the event where the most money fundraising comes in." Says Lynn. “It’s amazing. Last year we brought in $150,000, and that's net. It’s thrilling and heartwarming.”
This year, Noelle's Gift is planning to expand in the surrounding communities with their outreach. They have recently started organizing a new committee, which will be starting up in the Chatham Kent area.
"As Noelle’s Mother, it’s been a difficult situation," says Lynn, "So something good is coming out of something tragic. It warms our family's hearts that the community supports us and supports Noelle’s Gift."
Noelle's Gift to Children is more than a charity; it's a testament to the power of community and the enduring legacy of one remarkable woman. Their work serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back and ensuring that every child has a chance to “Grow Up Great”.
To learn more about Noelle's Gift to Children or to make a personal donation, please visit https://noellesgift.ca/ and follow them on social media to keep up with community events @Noellesgift.