BURLINGTON, ON, May 23, 2012 /CNW/ - This year has been designated the International Year of Co-operatives by the United Nations, in recognition of the value that co-operatives have in the global economy and the positive impact they have on social and environmental change.

To help recognize and celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives, CUMIS and its employees are working together in the co-operative spirit to help make a difference in the community.

On Thursday May 24, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., employees from CUMIS will be planting the first seeds in their co-operative garden. The healthy grown products will be donated to various groups in the community. "We are absolutely thrilled to see CUMIS and their employees developing this garden. It is going to make a huge difference in helping to ensure many families receive fresh healthy food, who may not have otherwise had it," said Wendy Kennelly of The Good Shepherd, which will receive products from the initiative.

The co-operative garden will be planted on CUMIS property located near its head office at 151 North Service Road in Burlington. The garden will complement an apple orchard CUMIS maintains, which produces some 200 boxes of apples the organization donates to community groups annually.

"This employee-led initiative will be something of an IYC legacy that will benefit families in our community for years to come," said Kevin Daniel, President and Chief Operating Officer, CUMIS. "It's a fine example of co-operative values at work, and our staff members are very excited about getting their hands dirty on this community project."

This initiative is one example of how CUMIS is supporting the theme of the International Year of Co-operatives, which is Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World.

About The CUMIS Group Limited
The CUMIS Group Limited (CUMIS) partners with credit unions to deliver competitive insurance and financial solutions. In doing so, it creates financial security and promotes the growth and success of the credit union system in Canada. CUMIS' principal companies are CUMIS Life Insurance Company and CUMIS General Insurance Company, and it has a 50 per cent interest in Credential Financial Inc. CUMIS is jointly owned by Co-operators Life Insurance Company and Central 1 Credit Union.