The Hudson Foundation

A voice to the voiceless

The Hudson Foundation was set up with the intention to give back to society and help ‘give a voice to the voiceless’.

Helping everyone in need is impossible, so we honed into areas that are most personal to us – children, dogs, art, and mother earth. With these four pillars being close at heart, particularly for our Founder & Chairman Alfie Borg, we have hosted numerous events and partook in initiatives with the aim of giving something back. The Foundation initially kicked off in Malta with the goal of growing into its other territories.

THE HUDSON WAY

The Hudson Foundation is aligned with Hudson’s core value which is mindful of the impact the company has to its surroundings. It seeks to encourage behaviour which respects Planet Earth as well as to offer support to the communities it operates in.

This philosophy threads through the various facets of the company, particularly as it most recently ramped up its efforts towards a more sustainable operation. For more information about this click here.

THE ENVIRONMENT

We are aware of the importance of the natural world, and we are conscience of the impact that fashion brands have on it. Through the Hudson Foundation, we are striving to give something back to mother earth through organising and sponsoring important initiatives.

Tree Planting in Malta’s northern ‘Park tal-Majjistral’ in Mellieha

As Malta’s population increases and construction works continue to sprout all over the island, more and more of our wildlife is being taken away from us. To aid in this problem, the Hudson Foundation intends to plant over 1000 trees during this event. The sponsorship also includes an irrigation and maintenance system to ensure the longevity of these trees.

The dedicated Hudson staff, senior management members, directors, and chief executives actively executed the planting initiative of a total of 350 planted trees so far, with plans to plant a minimum of 1000 trees over the next 26 months.

The Hudson Foundation, worked together with Park tal-Majjistral to cover the costs of an irrigation system that will nurture each and every tree, hence ensuring their livelihood. Additionally, the Foundation will replace plants that do not thrive.

The Park, located in the northwest of Malta, stretches through the coastal area of Golden Bay to Il-Prajjet and ix-Xagħra l-Ħamra, and was declared a national park in 2007. The Majjistral Park is the perfect spot to breathe in some fresh air from the surrounding countryside and sea ahead. It is frequented by many who enjoy quality time with the family, the great outdoors, explore the wildlife and the beautiful views that Malta has to offer. Hudson Foundation is therefore delighted to contribute to this, for the present as well as to protect the environment for future generations.

DOGS

The Hudson Foundation supports abandoned and injured dogs, who have no voice and sometimes the ability to fend for themselves. Nonetheless, they give humans so much, without expecting anything in return.

Refurbishment works at Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark is a dog shelter that offers a welcoming home to abandoned and mistreated dogs, including those who suffer abuse domestically or are forced to participate in dog fights.

This shelter relies on the donations of companies and individuals and was in dire need of our support. We therefore did our part by building new kennels for the dogs, as well as brightening up the environment, making it more welcome for families seeking to adopt a furry friend.

We also concluded works towards the development of a specialised hospital-grade emergency room.

A brighter environment for sheltered dogs

The below images show the renovation floor work sponsored by Hudson at Noah’s Ark – providing a cleaner, to create a more welcoming environment for the abandoned dogs.

Your dogs are welcome in Hudson Stores

Along with Hudson Foundation’s philosophy of spreading love to kids, the environment, and abandoned dogs, we are glad to welcome all dogs into our stores, given they are not a nuisance or hazard to staff, shoppers and other pets. Customers are expected to take full responsibility for their dogs, for full terms and conditions click here.

Covering Vet and medicinal expenses for AAA

The Association for Abandoned Animals (AAA) in Birzebugia encounters worst cases of animal cruelty and receives cases rescued by the Animal Welfare authorities which include dog fighting as well as dogs living in very bad conditions.

The shelter is grossly understaffed due to a lack of funds and also incurs great monthly costs related to neutering and veterinary expenses. The foundation have supported them by elevating the financial pressures by sponsoring three months of neutering costs.

It also supported by providing detergents specially intended for dogs. A cleaner environment will not only provide a more welcoming environment for the dogs and the staff who frequent the premises on a daily basis but will also stop the spread of illness.

In 2023, the foundation has continued supporting the AAA by contributing to the medical needs of these animals. This includes check-ups, operations, and necessary medication. In addition, the Hudson Foundation has provided essential cleaning supplies to keep the animals, premises, and feeding bowls disinfected.

A dog walk in aid of the real animal rights foundation to support a safe house for dogs and cats!

Hudson Foundation teamed up with Intersport, one of the brands represented by Hudson in Malta, to organize a family dog walk. The 3km walk took place in Maqluba Qrendi, and numerous families participated along the picturesque route, together with their dogs.

Each dog who finished the race was given their very own medal, and the money gathered during this event supported the Real Animal Rights Foundation and the running of their safe house, which welcomes abandoned and maltreated animals from the streets. The funds have gone towards the renovation of an outdoor area for dogs and cats.

CHILDREN

Hudson recognizes that children are the foundations of society. Every child has the right to be protected and helped to unravel their potential in the world. Conversely, caring for children renders our societies a safer place for future generations.

Providing Clothing and Footwear for Children in Need

In the beginning of the scholastic year many families struggle with the expenses tied to school uniforms, stationary and all the other activities tied with schooling. For this reason the Hudson Foundation supported over 20 children residing in homes, who struggle to pay these expenses with training shoes from our leading brands.

Supporting Victims of the Ukraine War

In 2022, many Ukrainian families had to flee their homes due to war. Hudson to offer its support to those residing in Malta, by offering Christmas gifts to Ukrainian children, as well as nappies and baby milk. It continued supporting this community by donating food products and essential needs on a regular basis.

* Below photos are stock photography and do not represent the children receiving the above mentioned donations.

Safe Cleaning Supplies for the Ukrainian Community in Malta

David Basile on behalf of Cherubino Ltd. supported the Hudson Foundation by offering numerous boxes of cleaning supplies to distribute to the Ukrainian community in Malta.

These families have left their war-torn country and are now living in Malta.

The products offered include a range of floor, clothes and personal hygiene supplies.

ART

Art has inspired a lot of Hudson’s ‘out of the box’ thinking, and given that Alfie himself is an artist, the creativity and values that come with having an artistic mind are deep-rooted into the company’s ideology and goals.

Art Exhibitions in aid of Hudson Foundation by Chairman and Founder – Alfie Borg

LEGENDS 2022

Legends, a solo exhibition by Hudson Founder and Chairman Alfie Borg in aid of The Hudson Foundation, include mix media pieces on wood, depicting all time legends from the world of art, sport, music, film and social history, who have served as a source of inspiration throughout Alfie’s life. Personalities included Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Michael Jordan, Bruce Lee, Stan Lee, Muhammed Ali, Queen Elizabeth II and more.

The exhibition took place 16th November and 7th December 2022, at Kettles Cafe at the Farsons Brewery in Mriehel. All artworks were sold with only the Quentin Tarantino, Bruce Lee and Mugshots pieces, still available.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of the art pieces will go initiatives carried out by the Hudson Foundation. In the coming months, the foundation seeks to find ways to support disadvantaged children as well as to support initiatives that help save mother earth, and your support through this exhibition will be greatly appreciated. Click here for full news story.

JUXTAPOSE 2023

For the Second consecutive year, Alfie Borg, the Chairman and Founder of Hudson, unveiled “Juxtapose”, a collection of 17 diverse artworks. These mixed media artworks feature iconic figures such as performers; Beyonce, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Freddie Mercury, Mickey Mouse, footballers; Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, and more. The exhibition, showcases the fusion of various artistic elements.

The exhibition took place 29th November and 6th December 2023, at the Marie Gallery in Tigne, Sliema.

Alfie’s exhibition draws inspiration from Albert Einstein’s profound words, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” The artworks serve as a potent expression of human imagination and the essence of the soul.

This artistic space captures the journeys of individuals who emerged from humble beginnings to achieve greatness through imagination, determination, and self-sacrifice. The mixed media artworks on wood, influenced by music, movies, history, religion, and politics, reflect the vibrant art scenes of New York, Los Angeles, and London.

The funds collected will directly support the causes that champion the three pillars of the Hudson Foundation which are children, dogs and Mother Earth, this includes the Ukrainian community in Malta, AAA (Association of Abandoned Animals) and Park tal-Majjistral in the north of Malta.

Sponsoring Maltese Talent at the ‘La Biennale di Venezia’ in Venice, Italy

In 2024, the Hudson Foundation proudly announced its sponsorship of the project ‘I Will Follow the Ship’ representing the Malta Pavilion at the 60th edition of the esteemed ‘La Biennale di Venezia’ in Venice, Italy. This renowned event serves as a distinguished platform for global artists, curators, and art enthusiasts to engage with diverse contemporary artworks spanning painting, sculpture, installation, video art, and performance.

Malta’s participation in the Venice Biennale, commissioned by Arts Council Malta, provides a crucial platform for its artists and art professionals to engage on an international scale, forging connections and collaborations while elevating Malta’s influence in the global art scene. The strategic placement of Malta’s National Pavilion within the Arsenale underscores the country’s growing recognition and significance on the international stage, ranking amongst the top ten within the exhibition.

Presented by the youngest team to represent Malta at the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, ‘I Will Follow the Ship’ incorporates local artist Matthew Attard’s contemporary drawing, historical references, and digital technology, delving into the realms of AI and digital innovation in drawing.

Matthew Attard’s interdisciplinary approach highlights drawing’s versatility, performance, and time-based nature. The exhibition was co-curated by Elyse Tonna and Sara Dolfi Agostini, with Maria Galea and Michela Rizzo at the helm of this ambitious project.

For the full story click here

Encouraging Employees to do their part

Hudson is proud to have put in place two internal initiatives empowering employees to give back through voluntary work with charities or entities related to supporting Animal Shelters, Impoverished Children and the Environmen

Volunteering as part of a day’s work

Hudson employees are encouraged to dedicate a maximum of one day away from work every six months to carry out voluntary work with the charities supported by the Hudson Foundation which include Animal Shelters – particularly dogs, Impoverished Children and the Environment.

Euro for Euro Initiative

If an employee raises funds for a charity falling in line with the Hudson Foundation remit, Hudson will match the amount raised/donated up to €250 per activity.