Target partners with Always to support Girls on the Run

CINCINATTI — Target is partnering with Always based on insight from the #LikeAGirl campaign, to prevent the loss of confidence in young girls. Together, both brands are supporting Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization which provides physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls between third to eighth grades.

“We’re committed to helping our communities thrive and empowering families to take good care of themselves so they can live their best lives,” Jennifer Silberman, VP corporate responsibility at Target, said.

Girls on the Run reports that beginning at the age of 9 years old, confidence levels in young girls begin to drop and by the age of 10 years physical activity levels lower as well. Target will be donating $1 million to the nonprofit in efforts to remove financial barriers and allow thousands of young girls nationwide to enroll in the program.

“The Always #LikeAGirl mission is to stop the drop in confidence girls experience at puberty, which is why we are so excited to partner with Target on this program,” Amanda Hill, Always brand director at Procter & Gamble, said. “We know that the funds will allow more puberty-aged girls to benefit from Girls on the Run, providing them with the necessary tools to help maintain their self-confidence through puberty and beyond.”

As part of the 10-week program, participants will learn vital life skills, while being encouraged to tackle new obstacles in non-competitive environments to build confidence and inner strength.

“We are eager to give more girls across the country the opportunity to participate in our life-changing programs and the donation will allow us to expand our reach. The impact this will have on local communities is amazing and will also bring us closer to our goal of serving 2 million girls by 2021,” Theresa Miller, chief engagement officer at Girls on the Run, said.

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, a supporter of the organization, also is working alongside them to encourage young girls across the nation.  “It’s so important for girls to know that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to, and Girls on the Run plays an important role in helping girls build their confidence and pursue their dreams,” Biles said.