HUDSON’S BAY LAUNCHES NEW CHARITABLE FOUNDATION IN THE U.S.

Hudson’s Bay Company, owner of Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, has announced the launch of its new HBC Foundation in the United States, which will have a new philanthropic focus on mental health programs in North America. It will work in conjunction with the HBC Foundation in Canada.

The HBC Foundation has pledged to raise $6 million (Canadian) over the next three years to support mental health programs that provide education, access, research and empowerment. With its new focus, the Foundation will place particular emphasis on teens and young adults during a period that is critical for mental health support and services.

To support its new focus, HBC has launched the HBC Foundation’s HEADFIRST program, centered on mental health issues among teens and young adults. Through this program, the Foundation will partner with leading mental health organizations, including The Jed Foundation and Bring Change 2 Mind in the United States, and Children’s Aid Foundation and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation in Canada.

“At HBC, giving back is essential to who we are, and we always strive to make an impact that will benefit our associates, customers, and the communities we serve,” said Richard Baker, Governor and Executive Chairman, Hudson’s Bay Company. “We are proud to dedicate the efforts of the HBC Foundation to mental health advocacy, which we know will have far-reaching results.”

“HBC has a long history of charitable giving, and the launch of the new HBC Foundation in the U.S. will help us expand our reach,” said Jerry Storch, Chief Executive Officer, Hudson’s Bay Company, and president of HBC Foundation. “We’re proud to focus our philanthropic efforts around the critical issue of mental health, and to help support research and improve access to care across North America.”