By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

The spirit of community, compassion and youth leadership shone brightly on Friday, April 24, as more than 150 participants gathered for the second annual Light Up the Night for Noelle – Chatham-Kent Edition, raising $11,329 in support of Noelle’s Gift to Children. The growing event once again brought families, students, educators and volunteers together in a shared effort to help children across the region access essential supports.

Now in its second year, the Chatham-Kent edition of Light Up the Night has quickly become a meaningful part of Noelle’s Gift’s expanding presence in the municipality. Organizers say the continued growth of the event reflects both the generosity of local residents and the increasing need for community‑driven fundraising to support children facing barriers related to poverty, food insecurity and emergency needs.

Schools across the Lambton Kent District School Board played a central role in this year’s success. Indian Creek Road Public School (ICRPS) led all fundraising teams with an impressive $3,630.27, demonstrating the school community’s strong commitment to supporting local children. ICRPS student Quinn Sleightholm earned top individual honours, raising an extraordinary $2,318.50 and helping inspire classmates and families to get involved.

Teams from Tecumseh Public School, Blenheim District High School, Wallaceburg District Secondary School/Wallaceburg District Elementary School, McNaughton Avenue Public School, and Winston Churchill Public School also contributed significantly, adding to the momentum behind the event and highlighting the widespread support for Noelle’s Gift initiatives across the region.

A dedicated team of volunteers from John McGregor Secondary School (JMSS) once again played a pivotal role in bringing the evening to life. Guided by educator Danielle Barr, the JMSS leadership class helped coordinate activities, welcome participants, manage logistics and ensure the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Their involvement reflects both the school’s long‑standing support for Noelle’s Gift and the meaningful real‑world learning opportunities built into its leadership program. Organizers say the students’ professionalism and enthusiasm were essential to the event’s success.

Funds raised through Light Up the Night will directly support children across Chatham-Kent by providing essential items such as clothing, nutrition supports, hygiene products and emergency assistance. As demand for these supports continues to grow, the expansion of Noelle’s Gift fundraising efforts in the region is helping ensure more students receive the help they need to feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

Organizers expressed deep gratitude to the families, students, educators, volunteers and community members who contributed to this year’s event. They noted that the combination of school‑based fundraising, community participation and youth leadership continues to strengthen the impact of Noelle’s Gift across Chatham-Kent.

“The generosity and enthusiasm of the community really continues to brighten the lives of children across the region and fuel the ongoing growth of Noelle’s Gift in Chatham-Kent,” said race organizer and LKDSB staff member Bryan Cowden. He added that the event’s success demonstrates how collective action can make a meaningful difference for children who rely on community support.

Organizers encourage community members, businesses and local organizations to get involved with Noelle’s Gift throughout the year. Opportunities include volunteering, fundraising, sponsorship or hosting community events — all of which help extend the reach of this growing movement of kindness and care.