Junior League of Toronto

Junior League of Toronto Team Leads for the 2026-2027 JLT year came together for the annual leadership orientation on May 21 to connect, learn from one another, and prepare for the year ahead. We are excited that three of our new members stepped up for leadership roles as their first placement!

JLT SHOWHOUSE

From 1983 to 2009, JLT Showhouse was the signature fundraiser of the Junior League of Toronto (JLT) bringing together the GTA’s most creative designers who transformed tired spaces into truly showstopping and bespoke spaces.  Over 25 years, the scope of the JLT Showhouse grew from 27 designers and spaces to 70 in its last year. The event, which ran over 3 weeks, featured a cafe, boutique, home design seminars, a grand gala event under a tent, and a cocktail party through the Showhouse. The JLT partnered with a variety of sponsors over the years, inclusive of Canadian a partner for 25 years.

Held once every four years, the event raised millions of dollars in support of JLT community programming and charitable partners across the city of Toronto including St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Pathways to Education, and SickKids Hospital .

One of the most meaningful ways to build connection is through volunteering and giving back alongside others. Supporting your community, forming new relationships, and working toward a shared purpose can create a deeper sense of belonging and wellbeing. 💙

This week, focus on community over comparison.

A group of 8 JLT members helped assemble Welcome Packages with donated household items from TJX for 15 Homeward Bound incoming women and their children. We curated packages including bedding, decorative pillows, towels, shower curtains and more! We wrapped up with a coffee break at The Black Pony on Gerrard!

In 2007, the Junior League of Toronto, in partnership with the St Albans Boy’s and Girl’s Club, started the “JLT Kickstart to Health” running program, training girls from 10-17 years of age to run a 10k race.

Girls of that age often stop participating in sport. Kickstart was developed with the goal of helping them to develop healthy lifestyles, lessening the risk of diabetes, obesity and other serious health issues.

In 2009, The JLT donated $100,000 of our 2009 JLT ShowHouse proceeds to St. Alban’s Boys & Girls Club. These funds were directed to their “Girls On The Move” and “Sistahood” programs.

Training side by side with JLT volunteers - running “buddies” - a mentoring relationship was developed with the girls, offering support and guidance, and building their confidence. The League also provided funds to St Albans to run the program and purchase running shoes for the young women.

When asked how their experiences had been, the young participants replied ‘“Really fun. Tiring. Make me play more sports, and seeing my friends”, “To not give up, strive to be the best! To keep physically active” and “Great because I have made new friends and get healthier at the same time”.

The program continued until 2020.

12 JLT members gathered to write Letters of Love 💖 cards to the 123 women at Homeward Bound Toronto-Woodgreen. It was wonderful to gather on a rainy April evening to share some cheer!

💐 Happy Mother’s Day! The Junior League celebrates mothers and mother figures everywhere, recognizing the love, guidance, and leadership they provide. Your care and dedication leave lasting impacts on families and communities alike.

Discover how The Junior League empowers women and strengthens communities—visit our website to get involved!

www.jlt.org

CAMH – GIFTS OF LIGHT 

May 4th to May 10th marks the 2026 Mental Health Week and this year’s theme is Come Togeher, Canada.

As we mark this important week, we look back to when we began our partnership with the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH) and the Gifts of Light program in 2016, the organization told us  that “Our patients need connection with others, access to basic necessities and basic activities, and support transitioning back to the community.” So we created a program to fill that need.  

The Junior League of Toronto was the first external community partner of Gifts of Light. Junior League members supported the organization in many on site volunteer positions but the core of the program was weekly programming for the Early Psychosis Unit - the main inpatient unit for youth. League members organized snacks, fun and activities for unit residents. Activities included yoga, art, dance, and activities led by experts.  We were also very involved with their holiday program, helping sort holiday gift bags and crafting personalized holiday cards.   We were honoured to have partnered with CAMH for eight years.   

Through Gifts of Light, over 16,000 patients benefit each year from the resources and experiences that are offered by this unique patient-centred program.

On World Maternal Mental Health Day, we focus on the emotional well-being of mothers everywhere. The Junior League supports maternal mental health through Every Woman. All Things., promoting awareness, resources, and community support for mothers and families.

To learn more about The Junior League and Every Woman. All Things., visit our website. https://thejuniorleagueinternational.org/get-involved/every-woman-all-things/

Today we’re embracing the simple truth: you don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. ✨

The mental load and endless to-do lists so many women carry can feel overwhelming, but your worth isn’t measured by how many boxes you check.

Through our Every Woman. All Things. initiative, we’re creating space to acknowledge that load and redefine power on our own terms.