Hudson’s Bay Company (Hbc), Canada’s oldest company and largest department store retailer, today celebrated its 334th anniversary with a $1.5 million contribution to charities and community groups located in every province in Canada.
The $1.5 million was raised by Hbc associates and customers during the Company’s annual holiday fundraising drive, which takes place at the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters stores.The Bay and Home Outfitters stores sold ‘Chance the Charity Bear’ throughout the holiday season, and Zellers stores sold gift boxes for $1 each.Money raised by the Bay and Home Outfitters program will go directly towards cancer research and support organizations, while the money raised by Zellers will go back into the communities where it was raised to help local organizations.
Among the national charities receiving funding as part of today’s announcement (full list of charities attached):
- Canadian Cancer Society - $95,000
- Kids Help Phone - $25,000
- Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - $25,000
- Canadian Women’s Foundation - $50,000
“Many cities and communities across this country were brought to life as Hudson's Bay Company trading posts over three centuries ago,” said George Heller, President and Chief Executive Officer.“Today, with the help of our associates and customers across the country, Hbc continues to invest in Canadian communities large and small. Thanks to their efforts, we’re proud to celebrate our 334th anniversary by donating $1.5 million to worthwhile organizations from the Canadian Women’s Foundation right down to the Boys and Girls Club of Comox Valley, British Columbia.”
Hudson's Bay Company was granted a Royal Charter from King Charles II on May 2, 1670.The chartering of companies by the English Crown was an established method of trade and territorial expansion. The Charter granted the Company the rights to "sole trade and commerce" within the entrance of HudsonStrait. The King bestowed this right upon Prince Rupert and his seventeen associates. In the charter they were referred to as "The Company of Adventurers" and as such Hudson's Bay Company was born.
Today, Hbc is committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadian families from health and wellness to education.In 2004, Hbc officially launched the Hbc Foundation, which consolidates all of the Company’s charitable activities into one focused and efficient entity therefore reducing administration costs and putting more money where it’s needed most.The foundation raises and donates millions of dollars annually, and across Canada associates volunteering their time and contributing invaluable effort to support these worthwhile initiatives supporting Hbc.
Hudson’s Bay Company, established in 1670 is Canada’s largest department store retailer and oldest corporation. The Company provides Canadians with the widest selection of goods and services available through numerous retail channels including nearly 500 stores led by the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters chains. Hudson’s Bay Company is one of Canada’s largest employers with nearly 70,000 associates and operations in every province.
