GUELPH, ON, July 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators announced that it will provide $60,000 over four years to the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada), to support post-secondary education scholarships. The Co-operators is contributing $15,000 annually for the next four years through CHF Canada for its diversity scholarships and those of regional co-operative housing federations.

Diversity scholarships support emerging leaders in the co-operative housing movement in their pursuit of post-secondary education. The scholarships recognize young members living in co-operative housing who are actively promoting diversity and demonstrating leadership in their communities. The funding is awarded based on academic achievement, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and leadership. In a collaboration between CHF Canada, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto and other participating regional federations, scholarships are available in eight regions across the country.

"Our relationship with The Co-operators has been one of the foundations of our success," said CHF Canada Executive Director, Nicholas Gazzard. "We appreciate this investment in future generations of co-operative leaders."

"Co-operation among co-operatives and concern for community are two co-operative principles we take to heart, and supporting such a worthwhile program is just one way we are put those principles into action," said Kathy Bardswick, CEO and president of The Co-operators. "We look forward to seeing the contributions these young co-operative members will make to their schools, co-ops and communities in the years ahead."

To date, more than $1 million has been awarded to over 230 recipients through the Diversity Scholarships.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $40 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.

About The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
CHF Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co-operative housing movement. Its members include over 900 non-profit housing co-operatives and other organizations across Canada. More than a quarter of a million Canadians live in housing co-ops, in every province and territory. For more information visit www.chfcanada.coop.

SOURCE The Co-operators