GUELPH, ON, Jan. 15 /CNW/ - The Co-operators will provide up to $150,000 to match donations to the Canadian Red Cross in support of the organization's relief efforts for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Donations eligible for the program are personal contributions from Co-operators employees, agents and their staff, directors, delegates, 63 members of its Community Advisory Panels and 180 students who participated in Impact!: The Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership.

"The devastation in Haiti has provoked an outpouring of support from Canadians across the country," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "The Co-operators commitment to match donations will allow the impact of our staff, agents, directors and delegates to be multiplied. Combined with the federal government's matching program, this means that every dollar they donate will translate into three dollars going to help those in Haiti who so desperately need it."

As with the federal government's commitment announced yesterday, The Co-operators Foundation will match personal donations made by February 12. The Red Cross has identified search and rescue efforts, field hospitals, emergency health services, water purification, emergency shelter, logistics and telecommunications as the most urgent needs.

About The Co-operators:

Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian companies that provide home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $7 billion in assets. It is owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its community involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.