TORONTO — Today, Hudson’s Bay Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new social impact platform, Hudson’s Bay Charter for Change. 351 years after HBC was granted its Royal Charter, the company’s Foundation is marking the anniversary with a new one: a promise to accelerate racial equity by changing how it invests in communities. Hudson’s Bay Foundation is committing $30 million over 10 years to organisations working to advance racial equity and inclusion, through three key areas of focus: Education, Employment and Empowerment. This commitment starts today with our first five charitable partners: Indspire, Black Youth Helpline, CEE Centre For Young Black Professionals, CPAC Foundation, and MLSE Foundation.
Through this initiative, Hudson’s Bay Foundation aims to impact more than 300,000 lives through programs run by its partner organisations. This begins with scholarships and bursaries for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students pursuing post-secondary education, empowering Black youth with career readiness and training programs in high-demand fields, and using sport to teach life skills that empower racialized communities and improve academic engagement and workplace readiness.
“Racial equity is one of the most urgent issues facing society, and through Hudson’s Bay Charter for Change our goal is to create tangible and measurable change that makes a difference in the lives of Canadians,” said Iain Nairn, President and CEO of Hudson’s Bay. “With our own 350-year company history that in the past included discrimination and inequity, we have a responsibility to take action and drive progress in creating a fair and equitable Canada for all.”
About our Charitable Partners
Indspire
As a national partner, Hudson’s Bay Foundation will provide funding for four distinct Indspire programs through financial support for post-secondary education, student mentorship, and professional development for Indigenous educators. Committed to the long-term social and economic well-being of all Indigenous communities, Indspire supports and inspires First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada to reach their highest potential. “I am thankful that the Hudson’s Bay Foundation has made the commitment to invest in Indigenous education. This generous support will provide First Nations, Inuit and Métis students an opportunity to pursue their dreams.” – Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire
CEE Centre For Young Black Professionals
Hudson’s Bay Foundation will become the sole title sponsor of two new career training programs at CEE Centre For Young Black Professionals, which empowers the next generation of Black professionals with the skills and networks needed to overcome systemic barriers and enter high-demand fields through on-the-job learning and industry exposure. These programs will up/reskill 30 participants annually for gainful employment, specifically in the fields of Costumes & Styling and Cyber Security. “In a time when many are struggling to find good jobs, these funds will be utilized to create jobs within the entertainment sector as well as Information Technology for Black Youth that are furthest from the labour market in Toronto. We are excited to see these young people thrive as we continue to stay committed to building the capacity of individuals and the Black community.” – Agapi Gessesse, Executive Director at CEE
Read the full story here: https://financialpost.com/pmn/press-releases-pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/hudsons-bay-foundation-launches-hudsons-bay-charter-for-change-with-a-30-million-investment-to-accelerate-racial-equity-in-canada
