The Junior League undertakes projects that provide longer term impact to address an identified need or issue. Current projects include Teen Totes, the Little Black Dress Initiative, and Impact Events. Current projects include:
Teen Totes
The Junior League of Calgary started the Teen Totes program in 2004. Each year, the JLC Meaning Community Impact team purchases items to provide special backpacks for teenagers who are often forgotten in Christmas gift drives. JLC members and guests gather to sort items and stuff backpacks with personal hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant; fun items like movie passes, food certificates and candy, as well as practical items like socks, toques, and gloves to weather Calgary winters. The filled backpacks are delivered to community partners who work with at-risk youth.
Little Black Dress Initiative
The iconic Little Black Dress is usually thought of as a fashionable wardrobe staple – great for business or a fun night out. Founded in 2014 by the Junior League of London, the Little Black Dress Initiative is a week-long awareness and fundraising campaign that harnesses the power of social media to illustrate the restrictions poverty places on choices, opportunities and access to resources. The JLC celebrates International Women’s Day during the LIttle Black Dress Initiative in March.
Impact Events
Each League year, Junior League of Calgary members participate in a number of Impact Events in our community. These events are typically a one-time event of limited duration designed to provide immediate impact to meeting a need in our community. Impact Events often are held in support of programs with community partners with whom the Junior League of Calgary has established relationships through previous programming. However, Impact Events are also planned to promote development of relationships with new community partners.