The HBC Foundation Unveils 10th Annual Heritage Charity Bear in Honour of Maud Watt

- Limited Edition Bear Pays Homage to Wife of HBC Factor James Watt and First Female Game Warden in Quebec -

TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the Hudson's Bay Company Foundation is proud to introduce Maud, this year's official Heritage Charity Bear in support of Canadian charities. Each year, the Foundation introduces a bear that pays homage to an HBC adventurer and celebrates the rich and storied history of the Company, with 100% of net proceeds supporting Canadian charities. To date, the program has raised more than $1 million benefitting the HBC Foundation's charitable partners.

Outfitted in an HBC signature-striped bow, Maud pays tribute to Maud Watt, wife of James Watt of Rupert House, QC, who was instrumental in establishing a beaver preserve in the James Bay region. By 1929, Canada's beaver population had been reduced to such an extent that the animal was nearing extinction in some areas. The success of the Watt's first beaver preserve in 1933 spawned similar initiatives in the North West Territories and Ontario, and by 1944 HBC-managed sanctuaries covered more than 43,000 square miles. Maud was appointed as the first female game warden in Quebec, and in 1969 she became the only woman ever to be inducted into Montreal's famous Beaver Club in honour of her long service to the fur trade.

"As the oldest company in Canada, Hudson's Bay Company's heritage reflects the history of our nation," said Stephanie Thornbury, VP, Communications and Community Investment, HBC. "This program celebrates legendary HBC figures, like Maud Watt, who contributed to the legacy of our country, while at the same time supporting causes that are important to HBC and our customers."

With only 15,000 bears in production, Maud is a true Canadian collector's item. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the sale of Maud will go to the HBC Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians through programs that reflect our distinct Canadian values. Since 2005, the HBC Foundation has donated more than $70 million in cash and in-kind donations to charitable organizations in Canada.

About the HBC Foundation

The HBC Foundation is a leading registered charitable organization, 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.

HBC's Olympic Mittens have become a Canadian winter wardrobe staple, with more than 5 million pairs sold since their launch in 2010. One third from the sale of each pair of Red Mittens goes to support our athletes through the Canadian Olympic Foundation for athlete development programs, coaching and equipment.  To date, the red mitten campaign has raised more than $22 million for Canadian athletes.

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 50 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 80 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".

Image with caption: "The HBC Foundation Unveils 10th Annual Heritage Charity Bear in Honour of Maud Watt (CNW Group/Hudson's Bay)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141106_C5947_PHOTO_EN_7545.jpg

SOURCE: Hudson's Bay

MEDIA CONTACT: Tiffany Bourré, Director, External Communications, Hudson's Bay Company, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.hbc.com