The Noelle's Gift Foundation has donated $125,000 to support students and families across the St. Clair Catholic and Lambton-Kent District school boards.
The money will be used to purchase eyeglasses, clothing, food, medicine and medical equipment for those in need.
Lambton-Kent District School Board (LKDSB) Education Director John Howitt said the funding is especially welcome this year.
"The generous donations from the Noelle’s Gift Foundation have helped to support students and families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout the school year," said Howitt. "We appreciate the ongoing contributions of Noelle’s Gift to help LKDSB support our school communities as we know that students' health and well-being have a direct impact on student achievement."
St. Clair Catholic District School Board Director Deb Crawford echoed Howitt's remarks.
"Especially this year, we are so very grateful to the Noelle’s Gift foundation for its tremendous support of children and families who need help," said Crawford. "The need in our schools has been even greater throughout 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to Noelle’s Gift, we are able to provide some support to families who are struggling."
Noelle’s Gift was established in memory of Noelle Paquette, a former kindergarten teacher with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, who died in January of 2013.
The charity has raised over $1.6 million since its inception.
