GUELPH, ON, April 16, 2012 /CNW/ - To mark the beginning of National Volunteer Week The Co-operators expresses its gratitude to the thousands of Canadians whose contributions to voluntary and non-profit organizations help build stronger, more inclusive communities across the country.

There are a number of ways The Co-operators supports these organizations. In 2007, it launched Community Guard™, a unique program of tailor-made insurance solutions for voluntary and non-profit organizations. Last year, it donated more than $1,9 million to charities and non-profits, and its staff members, using paid days off to volunteer, spent a total of 12,000 hours last year supporting organizations they care deeply about.

"The Co-operators is proud to support this sector in a number of ways, whether it's developing Community Guard, helping staff spend more time volunteering, or making financial contributions," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "As a co-operative organization with a presence in hundreds of communities across the country, we are grateful for the huge difference these organizations make in so many people's lives."

Community Guard is a complete risk management and insurance solution developed specifically for non-profit organizations. It provides affordable coverage for liability, property damage, group benefits and more. Along with its associated training and support, this product is the only one of its kind in Canada. In 2011, Community Guard achieved a milestone of $10 million in premium.

The Co-operators supports of a number of programs across the country, including being the national sponsor of the Block Parent Program®. Canada's largest safety network provides children, adults and seniors with access to safety education and community assistance.

"This has been the most incredible relationship we have ever had with a corporate sponsor. I can't say enough positive things. The Co-operators was there when we didn't even know we needed them the most, I can't even put a dollar figure on it as it goes beyond money," said Linda Patterson, President of the Block Parent Program. "This is especially true as Block Parent is a Community Guard client and their product supports us behind the scenes, ensuring we can carry out our work providing safe havens for children and seniors across the country."

According to Imagine Canada, the charity and voluntary non-profit sector across Canada has more than 160,000 organizations, with $7.8 million in donations, and involving 12.5 million volunteers donating over 2 billion hours annually.

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 ranked #1 among the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada by Corporate Knights, and listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada. As a proud member and supporter of the co-operative sector, The Co-operators is pleased to celebrate 2012: The International Year of Co-operatives. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.