Hudson's Bay launches Grand Portage Project

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Mar 3, 2017

The Hudson’s Bay, well-known as “Canada’s iconic retailer” is giving back to the country where it was founded in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.
 
The department store is giving back with the launch of the Grand Portage fundraising program. The multi-faceted program will benefit The Great Trail by Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational trail in the world.
 
The Trans Canada Trail (TCT), a not-for-profit organization, launched in 1992 the idea of creating a trail that would be a gift from Canadians to Canadians, connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. To date, the trail is about 91 percent complete and TCT and HBC have a goal to complete it on time for Canada’s birthday.
 

The Grand Portage program launches in stores and online this month with a 58-piece collection including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, beach towels, journals, iPhone cases, and more. A portion of sales will support the connection of The Great Trail. The collection also includes two new limited-edition items - a keepsake mini canoe paddle ($20) and paddle keychain ($5) – where 100 percent of net proceeds will go towards the fundraiser.
 
“We are immensely proud of our heritage as Canada’s oldest company, and it was important for us to find a meaningful, long-lasting impact to honour our nation’s milestone birthday,” says Liz Rodbell, President, Hudson’s Bay, in a news statement. “We have always been a company of adventurers and partnering with Trans Canada Trail aligns with our values to be inspired by our heritage and passionate about our future. To help connect The Great Trail in our lifetime is extremely special, and we encourage Canadians across the country to join us in this endeavor and celebrate this vast, beautiful country we call home.”

What’s more, the Grand Portage fundraising program will also include the Grand Portage team who will set off on June 22, 2017, traveling West to East from Victoria to Nova Scotia. The team will engage with communities, special guests and Canadian icons and will share their adventures on social media using #HBGrandPortage. 
 
The Grand Portage program will come to a grand conclusion in Ottawa on August 26, 2017. Hudson’s Bay Company, incorporated in 1670, is North America’s oldest company.