GUELPH, ON, Jan. 7 /CNW/ - The Co-operators today announced its series of
local campaigns succeeded in raising a record of $539,500 for 56 United Way
chapters across Canada. The combined total exceeds last year's United Way
donation by more than $93,000.
    Campaigns at Co-operators offices across the country once again reflected
the creativity and generosity of staff members who organized fundraising
events, made individual donations and pledged payroll deductions to support
their local chapters of the United Way. The Circle of Friends campaign in
Guelph, where the group of companies is headquartered and which has the most
employees, raised $195,500 and won local Campaign of the Year honours. In
Regina, home of Co-operators Life Insurance Company, a total of $147,000 was
raised for the local chapter.
    Through its network of 125 local chapters, the United Way helps to build
caring communities, providing direct financial support to some 7,000 agencies
across the country. These organizations provide a variety of health and social
services, from prevention to counselling to crisis intervention.
    "The United Way funds a vast array of charitable organizations across the
country that provide support and services many Canadians rely on," said Kathy
Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "That our staff members are
dedicated to supporting the United Way and giving back to their communities is
nothing new. But breaking the half-million dollar mark - that is truly
amazing."
    Co-operators staff members across the country raised more than $285,000
with corporate contributions topping $253,591, for a grand total of $539,459.

    About The Co-operators:

    Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian
companies offering home, auto, life, group, commercial and farm insurance, as
well as investment products and property development. With assets of more than
$7 billion, The Co-operators is owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives,
credit unions and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its
philanthropy and community involvement, and is listed in Report on Business
among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.

For further information: Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators,
1-877-795-7272, ext. 2707