On March 20, Guardian Life Limited and the Guardian Group Foundation, launched the 2026 staging of its flagship charity event, the SHINE 5K Night Run/Walk, targeting over 10,000 participants across Kingston and Montego Bay.

More than merely a race, SHINE (Securing Hope for Those in Need) has evolved into a national platform that combines health promotion, corporate partnership, and social impact.

The runs will be held in Kingston on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and in Montego Bay on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Under the theme “SHINE with Heart and Sole,” the initiative continues to mobilise Jamaicans from all walks of life to support essential healthcare and community-based interventions.

Proceeds from the 2026 staging will support Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), Falmouth Public General Hospital and Project STAR.

As it celebrates its 250th anniversary, KPH is set to undergo a major redevelopment to enhance services for its thousands of patients.

Falmouth Hospital is an essential healthcare facility that serves approximately 75,000 residents in Trelawny, including communities heavily impacted by recent hurricane damage.

The Project STAR initiative is part of a four-year agreement that provides $2.5 million in annual funding. Project STAR focuses on youth development, preventive health, and social transformation in vulnerable communities.

The three beneficiaries were carefully chosen for their national importance, community reach, and capacity to deliver measurable impact.

Speaking at the media launch, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton highlighted the broader public health importance of the initiative, noting that Jamaica continues to face high levels of non-communicable diseases caused by low physical activity.

Events like SHINE, he noted, play a critical role in promoting healthier lifestyles while also enhancing healthcare delivery through targeted funding and partnerships.

“I commend Guardian Group and all partners for their continued leadership and commitment to national development. You have taken an idea and transformed it into a movement — one that promotes healthier lifestyles, strengthens communities, and delivers real, measurable impact.”

President of Guardian Life Limited, Meghon Miller-Brown, emphasised the collaborative spirit that characterises SHINE, highlighting the role of corporate Jamaica, government, and citizens in fostering meaningful change.

“All proceeds from SHINE go directly to beneficiaries, ensuring that every step taken by participants contributes to real impact,” she noted.

Since its inception in 2014 as the “Keep It Alive” 5K Night Run, the initiative has raised over J$127 million for health-care institutions and social programmes across Jamaica, including more than J$25 million in 2025 alone.

Funds raised have supported the procurement of life-saving medical equipment, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced patient care delivery across several key institutions, including: University Hospital of the West Indies, Cornwall Regional Hospital, Kingston Public Hospital, Victoria Jubilee Hospital, Mandeville Regional Hospital and St Ann’s Bay Hospital.

In 2025, the initiative provided significant support to its beneficiaries — the Bustamante Hospital for Children and the Noel Holmes Hospital — by supplying essential medical equipment.