The 13th annual “Light Up the Night for Noelle” run returns to Canatara Park on Saturday, September 27th, bringing the community together to raise funds for local children through Noelle’s Gift.
The 13th annual Light Up the Night for Noelle will bring runners and families together at Canatara Park on Saturday, September 27, continuing a community tradition that raises crucial funds for local children.
The event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., features a 1K kids’ race, a 5K walk or run, and a 10K run, with an expected turnout of around 350 participants. According to Run Coordinator Bryan Cowden, most who take part will receive a medal, a t-shirt, and other swag. After the races conclude, Maud’s Variety will host the official after-party.
All proceeds from the event go directly to Noelle’s Gift to Children, a charity founded in memory of Noelle Paquette. A kind and beloved local teacher, Paquette was known for going above and beyond for her students, often providing them with meals, clothing, and school supplies out of her own pocket. The charity was created after her death in 2013 to ensure her legacy of helping children succeed continues.
The funds raised by events like Light Up the Night have a direct impact in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent. The money supports several key programs, including the Student Nutrition Program, the Noelle's Gift Closet Initiative which stocks schools with essential clothing and supplies, and a program that provides a reusable water bottle to every Grade 1 student in the region.
"It’s a great opportunity to highlight the community support, the volunteers, and the impact Noelle’s Gift continues to make locally," Cowden said.
This year, organizers have added a new incentive: the top individual fundraiser will receive the largest prize ever offered at the event.
Community members can register to run, walk, or sign up to volunteer here.
