The Co-operators provides $46,800 to emerging BC co-ops

GUELPH, ON, Aug. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators announced grants from its Co-operative Development Program (CDP) totalling $46,800 to five emerging British Columbia co-ops. The recipient organizations reflect the breadth and diversity of the co-operative sector in Canada, ranging from car share co-ops to renewable energy to social services.

The following co-ops received grant money, encouraging their growth and supporting their business success.

Okanagan Car Share Co-op - Kelowna ($8,000)
Okanagan Car Share Co-op strives to create a more diverse transportation network in the Okanagan Valley though car sharing, reducing carbon emissions, and benefitting residents and businesses. It plans to use the grant money to develop its marketing strategy.

Metro Vancouver City Farms Cooperative - Vancouver ($14,735)
Metro Vancouver City Farms Cooperative is a marketing co-op supporting small scale urban farmers. Members will use the grant to promote urban farming at farmers markets and to restaurants, helping to grow sustainable urban farming enterprises.

Shift Delivery Co-op - Vancouver ($4,100)
Using "cargo trikes" (large pedal-powered tricycles), Shift Delivery Co-op delivers office supplies, produce, dry-cleaning, catering and other goods all over Vancouver. It's the first delivery service of its kind in Canada, and will use the grant money to expand its marketing development project.

SIKAT Trading Cooperative - Vancouver ($10,000)
SIKAT is a Filipino-Canadian trading company based in British Columbia, focusing on importing coffee and coconut by-products from co-ops and small farmers in the Philippines. SIKAT will use the grant to develop its brand as it prepares to package and brand SIKAT products for distribution to large retail outlets.

Victoria Women in Need Community Co-operative (WIN) - Victoria ($10,000)
WIN, community services co-op, operates three thrift shops and two donation centres, using revenue to support programs that help 1,000 women each year. Grant money will help WIN rebrand by telling its story of positive impact in women's lives to the broader community.

"Each of these organizations has a profound positive impact on its members and its community," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "They are all fine examples of why it is so important to continue supporting the Canadian co-operative sector, and each demonstrate the important role co-ops play in communities."

The Co-operative Development Program is part of The Co-operators Foundation and reflects The Co-operators commitment to supporting emerging and expanding co-operatives in Canada. The program encourages the viability and growth of co-ops that respond to the collective needs of Canadians.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $33 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE: The Co-operators

Leonard Sharman
The Co-operators
519-767-3937