05/22/2026
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.