The Noelle's Gift Foundation is again doing its part to support less fortunate students across Sarnia-Lambton.
On Friday, the local children's charity announced a $65,000 contribution to the Ontario Student Nutrition Program-Lambton.
The donation, that includes a $40,000 commitment from Imperial, will support the cost of providing healthy food in schools.
The program receives provincial base funding from the Ontario Student Nutrition Program of 12 cents per student per day, but on average it costs $1 per student per day to provide a healthy snack.
Health Promotion Assistant at Lambton Public Health Leslie Palimaka is thrilled with the generous support.
"When community leaders such as Noelle’s Gift step forward to financially support healthy food it relieves the fundraising pressure for schools and benefits students," said Palimaka. "The enthusiasm and kindness from Noelle’s Gift is always at the heart of their community work."
This year there are 38 schools providing a Student Nutrition Program that serve approximately 7,400 students every day.
Noelle's Gift also contributed $14,000 toward the program in October 2020.
Charity spokesperson Nicole Paquette said it's imperative for kids to have access to nutritious meals.
"That is an essential need for students in our community to grow up great," said Paquette. "With the pandemic right now, we're being utilized even more than ever. We really appreciate the ongoing support, we've had to pivot with our events and fundraising. We're just super grateful for the community."
Noelle’s Gift was established in memory of Noelle Paquette, a former kindergarten teacher with St. Clair Catholic District School Board, who was killed in January of 2013. The charity has raised $1.6 million since its inception.
The funds raised support youth programs across Lambton-Kent, and help buy supplies like food, shoes, clothes, medication, wheelchairs and eyeglasses.
You can also go visit www.noellesgift.ca to donate and learn more.
