The HBC Foundation Commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Launch of Limited Edition Umbrella at Hudson's Bay, in Support of BCRF

- Monies raised will fund cancer researcher for one year through The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® -

TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - The Hudson's Bay Company Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of their limited edition umbrella in support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The HBC Foundation is proud to support the 2014–2015 work of Dr. Pamela Goodwin through BCRF. Dr. Goodwin is a scientist at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, and holds the positions of Marvelle Koffler Chair in Breast Research and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto/Mount Sinai Hospital. As a BCRF grantee, Dr. Goodwin has initiated a study that will involve 100 women with metastatic breast cancer to investigate whether obesity-associated physiologic profiles of breast cancer patients are associated with higher levels of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cells that have become detached from the original tumor and have entered the circulation and which have been associated with poor response to treatment and disease progression.

"HBC Foundation's dedication and ongoing support enables us to continue to fund the world's most promising research," says Myra Biblowit, President of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. "This exciting campaign not only creates awareness for BCRF, but also garners significant funding that helps us fuel the advancement of breast cancer research, breakthroughs and treatment."

Created in collaboration with The Estée Lauder Companies, this is the third year the partnership between BCRF and the HBC Foundation has generated research funding. The exclusive umbrella is the perfect accessory for rainy days and will be available in-stores ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Beginning September 26th, customers who make a purchase at Hudson's Bay can buy an umbrella for $16, with $5 from each purchase benefiting this innovative program. Inspired by BCRF's iconic pink ribbon, the umbrella features an all-black exterior with a cheery and colourful interior that ensures a bright commute even on the darkest days.

"We're proud to partner with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for the third consecutive year to help illuminate and raise funds for this very important cause," says Stephanie Thornbury, VP, Communications & Community Investment, Hudson's Bay Company. "Funds raised through this campaign will help support BCRF's mission to support research that brings us closer to prevention and a cure for breast cancer."  

To date, the HBC Foundation has contributed more than $450,000 for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation through in-store initiatives at Hudson's Bay. For more information on the HBC Foundation, visit hbc.com.

About Hudson's Bay Company

Hudson's Bay Company, founded in 1670, is North America's longest continually operated company. Today, HBC offers customers a range of retailing categories and shopping experiences primarily in the United States and Canada. Our leading banners – Hudson's Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH – offer a compelling assortment of apparel, accessories, shoes, beauty and home merchandise. Hudson's Bay is Canada's most prominent department store with 90 full-line locations, one outlet store and thebay.com. Lord & Taylor operates 49 full-line locations primarily in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S., four Lord & Taylor outlet locations and lordandtaylor.com. Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's pre-eminent luxury specialty retailers, comprises 39 U.S. stores, five international licensed stores and saks.com. OFF 5TH offers value-oriented merchandise through 78 U.S. stores and saksoff5th.com. Home Outfitters is Canada's largest kitchen, bed and bath specialty superstore with 69 locations. Hudson's Bay Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "HBC".

About the HBC Foundation

The HBC Foundation is a leading registered charitable organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians, the HBC Foundation supports Canadian organizations and initiatives that contribute to healthy families, strong communities and sport excellence. Since 2005, the HBC Foundation has donated nearly $90 million in cash and in-kind donations to charitable organizations, including our official charitable partners: Canadian Olympic Foundation, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Look Good Feel Better, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) advances the world's most promising research to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF has raised more than $500 million to fuel discoveries in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, survivorship and metastasis. This year, we invested $45 million in the work of more than 200 researchers at leading medical institutions across six continents. By spending 91 cents of every dollar on research and public awareness, BCRF remains one of the nation's most fiscally responsible charities. We are the only breast cancer organization with an "A+" from CharityWatch, and have been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator 12 times since 2002. Join us at www.bcrfcure.org.

Image with caption: "The HBC Foundation Commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Launch of Limited Edition Umbrella at Hudson’s Bay, in Support of BCRF (CNW Group/Hudson's Bay)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140926_C1150_PHOTO_EN_6024.jpg

SOURCE: Hudson's Bay

MEDIA CONTACT: Anna Ng, External Communications Specialist, Hudson's Bay Company, [phone], Email: [email protected]