Junior League of Toronto

The annual Gavel Pass is a cherished annual tradition across many Junior Leagues, marking the official end of the outgoing president's term and the transition of leadership to the incoming president.

At our recent Awards Luncheon, we had 23 former presidents on hand to participate in this year’s gavel pass. The gavel pass started with Margaret Patterson, 1974-1976, and culminated with 2024-2026 President Lisa Stevenson handing it to incoming president Valerie Mines. It was an inspiring way to celebrate 100 years of the JLT!

TORONTO WITH EASE

The JLT originally published “Toronto with Ease” in 1967. The handbook was a guidebook to Toronto for people living with mobility disabilities to assist them in navigating the city with accessibility. Over the span of almost 25 years and a financial contribution of $85,000 in that time period, the League ensured updates were made to the handbook, and finally, a computerized application was born. Highlighting accessibility issues led to many retailers installing ramps at their entrances and brought awareness to the need.

Congratulations to our 5, 10, 25 and 50 year JLT members, 2025 - 2026 award recipients and our new community partner . Thank you to everyone for being part of our 100th year Awards celebration held on Sunday, May 31st.

Developing Women to do a World of Good: Mines, Laura Ciarallo, and Jessica Murphy made the most of their time at the AJLI Annual Conference in Indianapolis, celebrating 125 years of the Junior League and 100 years of the Junior League of Toronto. The JLT was recognized on stage for 100 years of service in the community and our own Jessica Murphy was introduced as the incoming Director at Large to the AJLI Board of Directors. Meeting like-minded women from around the globe, including our new friends from Mexico City. Founded in New York City in 1901, the Association of Junior Leagues International is an organization of women whose Mission is to advance women's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training.

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!