REGINA, Jan. 4 /CNW/ - The Co-operators today announced it has raised a
record of $539,500 for 56 United Way chapters across Canada, including
$147,000 in Regina, home of Co-operators Life Insurance Company. The grand
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 campaign in Regina, which raised
$147,000, was the second largest for the organization; the campaign in Guelph,
Ontario, where the group of companies is headquartered and which has the most
employees, raised $195,500.
    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 plays a vital role in communities right across the
country," said Kevin Daniel, chief operating officer of Co-operators Life.
"Our staff members see the importance of having strong and healthy communities
and that's why they're so dedicated to the United Way here in Regina and
throughout Canada."
    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:

    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