CALGARY, Sept. 6 /CNW/ - This week The Co-operators launched a
first-of-its-kind insurance and risk management solution designed specifically
to address serious challenges affecting the non-profit/voluntary sector. With
the support of Volunteer Alberta, The Co-operators introduced Community Guard
as a pilot project available to non-profit and volunteer-run organizations in
the province.
    "For years these organizations have struggled with the lack of
affordability, availability and price stability of insurance in Alberta and
right across the country," explained Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The
Co-operators. "Considering how important these organizations are to Canadians'
quality of life and to the fabric of our society, it was incumbent upon the
insurance industry to respond to these challenges. As a co-operative
organization with a long history of support for non-profits, The Co-operators
is very pleased to be able to support the sector by addressing their long-term
needs."
    Community Guard is more than insurance protection. It includes detailed
assessments of each organization's risk exposures, potential risk management
solutions, and their particular insurance needs. Specially trained
Co-operators agents in Alberta will use a needs analysis tool designed
specifically for the sector to assess each client's situation. Participating
organizations will also have free access to The Co-operators risk management
workshops, online resources and knowledgeable staff. These measures will help
them manage their risks and access the insurance coverage they need while
controlling their costs.
    "Affordability and accessibility of insurance coverage affects Alberta's
19,000 non-profit/voluntary organizations. Volunteer Boards want to
concentrate on meeting the mission of their organization whether it is social
services, environmental awareness or amateur sports. Community Guard offers
Boards that opportunity," said Karen Lynch, Executive Director of Volunteer
Alberta. "Priced affordably, Community Guard packages insurance products,
including Directors' and Officers' Liability, in one place - a place where The
Co-operators understands the complexities, challenges, and unique needs of
non-profit community-based organizations."
    Non-profit/voluntary organizations are particularly vulnerable to premium
volatility because many of them are quite small and operate on very tight
budgets. The Co-operators has committed to working closely with participating
organizations by reviewing their policies annually and providing tailored risk
management advice in order to avoid large premium increases. If an increase of
more than five percent is required, The Co-operators has pledged to provide a
minimum of 12 months notice to the organization.
    The insurance needs of voluntary and non-profit organizations are many
and varied, including commercial property insurance, crime coverage, liability
protection for members serving on board of directors, sexual misconduct
liability, and more. Community Guard features a specially designed application
form that clarifies coverages and simplifies the process.
    To further support Canadian voluntary and non-profit organizations, The
Co-operators will establish a fund through which a portion of any profit made
by the Community Guard initiative will be reinvested back into the sector. In
addition, The Co-operators will cover the costs of a one-year membership in
Volunteer Alberta for each participating organization.

    About The Co-operators:

    The Co-operators is the leading Canadian-owned multi-product insurance
company. Co-operatively owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit
unions and like-minded organizations, The Co-operators is an Imagine Caring
Company, well known for its community involvement.

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