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The H&M Foundation is born

The Persson family donates SEK 500 million to the H&M Foundation, which marks the beginning of the foundation and its work to create positive change for people and communities.

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The H&M Foundation was established in 2007 in conjunction with H&M’s 60th anniversary. The donation that the Persson family is now making to the H&M Foundation will enable the charitable foundation to help even more people in need around the world. There will be a particular focus on initiatives that help achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.

“Our donation will enable H&M Foundation to carry out more initiatives on a greater scale in order to change and improve the lives of people.”

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO H&M

H&M Foundation has previously supported charities such as Hand in Hand, which works to combat poverty in India through microloans and training for female entrepreneurs. Organisations that will be supported by the foundation include WaterAid, which provides people in poor areas with access to clean water and hygiene.

Suggestions of specific focal areas will be made by a group of experts on social issues, development issues and environmental issues, which will work together with the foundation. The foundation will also support disaster relief efforts in countries where H&M operates.

“Our donation will enable the H&M Foundation to carry out more initiatives on a greater scale in order to change and improve the lives of people in countries where H&M is present. We hope and believe that our donation will make a noticeable difference to many people and will help bring about lasting improvements”, says Karl-Johan Persson, CEO H&M.