Noelle's Gift to Children recently reached a milestone.
The local children's charity has raised $3 million since its inception.
Several fundraising events, held in memory of school teacher Noelle Paquette, have contributed to the multi-million dollar total, including Count Your Ks, McHappy Day, an annual Gala Night and Light Up the Night for Noelle.
Race Director Bryan Cowden said this year's event held on September 30 at Canatara Park was a huge success.
"I don't know if it's a record, but we had 220 [registered] last week and for some reason it went to 400," said Cowden. "I don't know if it was the weather or what, but it's unbelievable the response to the race this year."
He said funds raised support a number of initiatives and programs.
"All the money goes back to the schools to the kids in some way," said Cowden. "There's a water bottle program, there's something called Noelle's Closet some of the schools have. If a kid needs something that they're not able to get from home for whatever reason, it's in that closet. So it's very child, student driven within the Lambton-Kent area."
Noelle's Gift is also teaming up with Finch Ford-Lincoln for a Vehicle and Cash Draw again this year. Tickets at $100 each are available on the Noelle's Gift website.
The youth charity also recently launched a new children's book highlighting the local workforce titled 'Smash Hits'.
