GUELPH, ON, May 8, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators announced a contribution of $50,000 to 10 Carden in support of a redevelopment project that will create a new multi-purpose facility in downtown Guelph, Ontario known as 10C. When the redevelopment is complete, 15,000 square feet will be available for community collaboration, strengthening local resilience through co-working, social innovation and entrepreneurship by community-minded individuals and groups.

The funding from The Co-operators will help 10C move forward with key green infrastructure components as part of the undertaking. These include a rainwater harvesting system, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, an energy-efficient LED lighting system, and active transportation features to encourage cycling. Opportunities will be identified for Co-operators staff members to volunteer with members of 10C, and the organization will use the space for events.

"This innovative project will serve not only as a co-working, event and meeting space for local people and community service organizations, but as a community hub in the downtown core," said Rob Wesseling, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "We're pleased to support the green features of this building and be part of this unique community-building initiative right here in our hometown."

10C, which seeks to "create space for change," will have shared rooms available for co-working, events and meetings. Membership packages are available to individuals, organizations and businesses that are working within a social innovation framework. Others can also book space at non-member rates.

"We are thrilled to have this level of support from The Co-operators and look forward to working together to champion community building in Guelph and in other cities," said Julia Grady, 10 Carden Co-founder and Executive Director.

Among the organizations that will share the space are the co-owners, 10 Carden and Chalmers Community Services Centre, as well as Guelph Arts Council, Guelph Dance, Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, Guelph-Wellington Local Immigration Partnership, Out on the Shelf, Taylor Newberry Consulting, Transformative Arts Guelph, University of Guelph, and Wellington Water Watchers.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Ltd. is a Canadian co-operative with more than $44 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 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 10 Carden Shared Space (10C):10 Carden is Guelph's not-for-profit 'community hub' offering local socially-focused organizations, businesses and individuals affordable and accessible space. 10 Carden's creating space for change model includes shared office, meeting and event space. 10C offers individuals, professionals and researchers working within Guelph a place to gather, work, exchange ideas and most importantly – collaborate. For more information, visit www.10carden.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators