Hudson’s Bay Foundation Raises $1 Million For Its Charter For Change Initiative
Money raised will help accelerate racial equity in Canada
TORONTO, ON– On October 26, Hudson's Bay Foundation hosted its second annual Evening for Change event, presented by Breville. Bringing together associates, community members, vendors, and impact partners, attendees came together to support Hudson’s Bay Foundation Charter for Change, with inspired conversations and celebration of individuals and organizations doing grassroots work to combat racial inequity. The event raised an astounding $1million to fight social injustice and advance racial equity in Canada . More than 80 organizations sponsored the event, including presenting sponsor Breville and Diamond sponsor Cadillac Fairview.
In May 2021, Hudson’s Bay Foundation launched its social platform Hudson’s Bay Foundation Charter for Change: a $30 million commitment over ten years to help accelerate racial equity in Canada. This initiative supports charitable partners with existing community programming, doing on-the-ground work with a focus on education, employment and empowerment. Hudson’s Bay Foundation impact partners include: Indspire, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, Black Youth Helpline, MLSE Foundation, Nia Centre for the Arts and MOSAIC.
“We have a collective responsibility to prioritize racial equity and inclusion in Canada, and I am so thankful to our vendor community and all the guests who attended and sponsored Evening for Change,” says Iain Nairn, President & CEO of The Bay. “We are stronger when we work together, and I am even more energized and dedicated to creating change after this event, with so many people coming to the table to support this work.”
On Sept. 30, Hudson’s Bay Foundation launched Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund in partnership with the Gord-Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. Moving forward, 100% of net proceeds from the sale of all HBC Point Blankets go to Indigenous Peoples. Since the launch, Canadians have overwhelmingly stepped up to support the initiative, with blanket sales doubling within weeks of the announcement.
“Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund is an easy way for consumers to use their spending power for good. As a company, we no longer profit from the sale of these iconic blankets; rather the money goes to support grassroots efforts to impact meaningful change at the community level,” adds Nairn. “With the support of our customers, we expect to donate approx. $3 million in 2022 alone, and as we head into the holiday season, I have to say - an HBC Point Blanket is a great gift that gives forward!”
ABOUT HUDSON’S BAY FOUNDATION
Hudson’s Bay Foundation is a registered charity, working to address racial inequality by investing in education, employment and empowerment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, Black People and People of Colour. In 2021, Hudson’s Bay Foundation launched Hudson’s Bay Foundation Charter for Change, committing $30 million over 10 years to accelerate racial equity in communities across Canada. By partnering with organisations doing critical work under its three pillars, Hudson's Bay Foundation provides funding for programs and initiatives driving meaningful and sustainable change.
ABOUT THE BAY
Through a digital-first, purpose-driven lens, The Bay helps Canadians live their best style of life. The Bay operates thebay.com featuring Marketplace, one of the largest premium life & style digital platforms in Canada, with a seamless connection to a network of 85 Hudson's Bay stores. The Bay has established a reputation for quality and style through an unrivalled assortment of products and categories including fashion, home, beauty, food concepts and more. Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.
The Bay and Hudson’s Bay operate under the HBC brand portfolio. Founded in 1670, HBC is North America’s oldest company. The signature stripes are a registered trademark of HBC.
HUDSON’S BAY MEDIA OFFICE
Tiffany Bourré
DVP, Communications, PR & Heritage
tiffany.bourre@thebay.com | 416-571-1301
Avinita Bains
Manager, Corporate Communications
avinita.bains@thebay.com | 416-525-9574
