NORDSTROM INCREASES ITS AID TO DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

Nordstrom has just announced that it is making two new commitments to support its hometown of Seattle. 

It will donate $1 million to Friends of Seattle Waterfront over the next five years to contribute to the growth of the future Waterfront Park in Seattle, a development that will offer open space and free community events along 20 acres of urban shoreline that is near Nordstrom’s flagship store and corporate offices (pictured).

The retail giant also recently joined Challenge Seattle’s coalition of local businesses to aid the unsheltered. As part of this commitment, Nordstrom will join other businesses in committing resources to “Project Zero” in a collective effort to combat chronic homelessness. Partnership for Zero is a community commitment to help the homeless in Seattle.

“As long-time corporate citizens in downtown Seattle, we know it’s our responsibility to invest in our local community. It’s one of our key values and the right thing to do,” said Erik Nordstrom, chief executive officer at Nordstrom, in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to enjoy our vibrant city along with our employees, customers and neighbors.”  

The company also makes annual donations to several local organizations that support the basic needs of families including the United Way of King County, YouthCare, the YMCA of Greater Seattle and the Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation.  

Additionally, Nordstrom provides an annual $1 million donation to the United Way of King County, investing in their Bridge to Finish program which provides underserved college students with the resources they need to stay in college and graduate. This year, Nordstrom expanded its partnership with United Way of King County to include a multi-year college scholarships program in honor of the late Blake Nordstrom.