Volunteers, businesses and residents raise $10,000 to help local students.

The Merry Magic fundraiser at Links of Kent raised $10,000 for students across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton, organizers said.

A community fundraiser has raised $10,000 to support students across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton, organizers announced. The Merry Magic event ran at Links of Kent from November 12 to 30 and was hosted by Noelle's Gift to Children. Activities included gingerbread house making, a seniors' tea, breakfast with Santa and school field trips. A tree raffle, with trees donated by local businesses and organizations, was the event's biggest draw. Key details: - The fundraiser brought in $10,000, as announced by Noelle's Gift to Children. - Merry Magic took place at Links of Kent from November 12 to 30 and involved volunteers, local businesses, and residents. - Event activities included gingerbread house making, a seniors' tea, breakfast with Santa, and school field trips. - A tree raffle featuring donated trees was the primary fundraising attraction. - Funds will benefit students across the region’s three major school boards and support school-focused programs. - Noelle's Gift to Children was founded in 2013 in memory of teacher Noelle Paquette and runs programs such as school-based closets, student nutrition support, a Grade 1 water bottle program, and emergency school support. Summary: The $10,000 will support the charity's ongoing school-focused programs that provide clothing, hygiene items, nutrition and quick-response help for students, continuing work begun in 2013 in memory of Noelle Paquette. Organizers said two Chatham-Kent events are planned for 2026 — the 2nd Annual Light Up the Night for Noelle on April 24 and a golf tournament at Links of Kent on August 15 — with further details to be announced.