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HBC donates $1 million to Food Banks Canada, Kids Help Phone

The Hudson’s Bay Foundation is donating $1 million — split equally between Food Banks Canada and Kids Help Phone — to help during the pandemic.

Both organizations have reported an increase in need for services and resources across Canada, it said.

“The foundation will match donations and encourages Canadians to support the charities,” it said.

The initiative, which will run through March 31 is part of Hudson’s Bay Foundation’s ongoing commitment to making mental health a priority in every community. Canadians looking to support the charities can visit thebay.com for more information, or visit the charity websites directly at foodbankscanada.ca and kidshelpphone.ca

“Through the Hudson’s Bay Foundation we have an opportunity to provide critical support to Canadians at a time of unprecedented need,” said Iain Nairn, President, Hudson’s Bay. “This commitment will directly impact the well-being of our communities, customers and associates ensuring access to  real-time mental health support for our children, as well as helping alleviate the stress for families who rely on these vital organizations everyday.”

“For all Canadians, the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 can be overwhelming and frightening, for young people, even more so.  We’ve seen an enormous surge in mental health service requests via phone, text and chat from youth across the country,  experiencing anxiety, fear and isolation,” said Katherine Hay, president and CEO, Kids Help Phone. “Hudson’s Bay Foundation’s support, along with their customers, will have a direct impact on Canadian youth by ensuring  access to services 24/7.”

“I’m impressed with the devotion and ingenuity of the food bank network in Canada, working tirelessly to provide the much needed food for those living in poverty.  And they are doing it despite COVID-19 challenges like drastic reductions in volunteers and local food donations in addition to having to modify their operations for social distancing,” says Chris Hatch, CEO, Food Banks Canada. “We applaud Hudson’s Bay Foundation for their quick action and significant contribution to support our local food banks and help ensure that our country’s most vulnerable neighbours are served.”