Hudson's Bay Kicks Off Red Mitten Campaign

September 5, 2014  by in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

The Dufour-Lapointe sisters, members of the Canadian Olympic women's ski team, are participating in the campaign.

"The 6th edition of the Red Mitten will help raise money for our athletes and Canadian sport system during the crucial Olympic off-season as Canada prepares for Rio," said Marcel Aubut, president of the Canadian Olympic Committee and chairman of the COF. "Maxime, Chloé and Justine (Dufour-Lapointe) are symbols of Canadian sporting success and will be fantastic ambassadors."

Liz Rodbell, Hudson's Bay president said the retailer has raised more than $26 million from the Red Mitten campaign since 2009.

"The initiative funnels much-needed funds to our athletes and the Canadian sport system," Rodbell said. "We are proud to welcome the Dufour-Lapointe sisters as the official 6th edition Red Mitten ambassadors."

Earlier this year, the Dufour-Lapointe sisters captured the heart of their home country when they became the first Canadian set of three siblings to compete in the same individual event at the same Games. Justine and Chloé went on to win gold and silver respectively in the ladies' freestyle skiing in Sochi. 

Funds raised from the Hudson's Bay Red Mitten sales help provide Canadian athletes with performance resources, propelling Olympians like the Dufour-Lapointe sisters on to the podium. 

"It is an honor for my sisters and I to be included in a campaign that gives so generously back to Canadian athletes," said Sochi 2014 gold medalist, Justine Dufour-Lapointe. "We encourage all of our fellow Canadians to get behind this cause and buy a pair of the 6th edition Red Mittens to help Canadian athletes with the funding they need as we head toward Rio. With this support, we will be able to compete at our best."

The latest Red Mitten design builds on the success of the mittens created for Sochi by using color blocking again as a design element. This version is mainly black, with red and white accents, allowing the embroidery to stand out. The mittens coordinate with the fall 2014 range of Hudson's Bay's Canadian Olympic apparel, and are fleece-lined with a knitted outer layer. A fun approach was taken with the design by embroidering the word "Go" on the inner right palm. Athletes and fans have the option to hold up the word "Go" next to a red maple leaf, or the words "Go Canada" in moments of patriotism.

The launch of the 6th edition Red Mitten brings a variety of additions to help Canadians celebrate and support their Olympic athletes and hopefuls.