GUELPH, ON, May 4, 2016 /CNW/ - The Co-operators is pleased to extend its congratulations to Mitch Dorge, who is the 2016 recipient of the Sir Hugh John Macdonald Memorial Award, which will be presented this evening in Winnipeg by Macdonald Youth Services. Each year, the award recognizes an individual in Manitoba who demonstrates the values of respect and fairness toward youth and who helps young people develop important life skills.

Dorge is a Juno award-winning musician and composer, and drummer for the Crash Test Dummies. He is being honoured for his work speaking to youth across the country about making responsible choices. Through his In Your Face and Interactive presentations, a program supported by The Co-operators since 2007, he has delivered his message about positive choices to more than 194,000 students at 562 schools across Canada.

"Mitch has brought his positive message and changed the lives of young people right across the country, and we're very proud to support him in his work," said Jayne Russell, manager of public relations at The Co-operators. "He has a real gift for connecting with young people, and in particular with those who are going through a tough time. It's quite uplifting to see how he is able to engage with teenagers, who are not always the easiest group to communicate with."

Young people today are growing up in a rapidly changing, technologically connected world where social pressures and mental health challenges seem magnified, heightening the importance of making positive choices. Dorge's entertaining and thought-provoking presentations cover a number of topics head-on, including drug and alcohol use, safe driving and mental health issues.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian 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 Best Employers in Canada by Aon; 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.

SOURCE The Co-operators