New closets that will be filled with essential items like food, clothing, toiletries and sanitary products are being built for schools in Lambton County and Chatham-Kent.
The initiative, meant to support equity in local schools, is the result of a partnership between Dow's St. Clair River site and Noelle's Gift to Children.
Dow Training Coordinator Amy Cunningham said students will be able to access the items discreetly if they are in need.
"This year, Dow is celebrating 125 years and we have a strong legacy of charitable investment in our region," said Cunningham. "Dow's former Sarnia site was the company's first international location outside of the U.S., and now that we have a site in Corunna we will continue to invest in this community. We're excited to be working with Noelle's Gift to Children to ensure our local students have the resources they need to succeed."
Bob Schenck (Carpenter’s Union), Gary Cannon (Carpenter’s Union), Nicole Paquette (Noelle’s Gift committee member), Michele Stokely (Noelle’s gift committee member), Amy Cunningham (Training Coordinator and Dow sponsor for the project). Submitted photo.
The project is being funded through the company's All IN ERG Fund, which allows employee resource groups to apply for funding for non-profits who are addressing inclusion, diversity and equity needs in communities where Dow operates.
Noelle's Gift Committee Member Michele Stokley said they are "thrilled" that Dow is supporting the project.
“Our goal is to build a closet for each school, with the wonderful help from The Carpenters Union Local 1256," said Stokley. "We will be filling the closets with outerwear and essentials. This will ensure instant access for any child in need.”
Dow volunteers will also help assemble, deliver and stock the closets.
Since the fund was established in 2019, it has supported 37 projects in 20 countries worldwide.