GUELPH, ON, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Groupe Convex Prescott-Russell Inc., a non-profit organization that helps local people gain skills and access to employment opportunities, received a boost today with the announcement of a $20,000 grant from The Co-operators. The funding is provided through The Co-operators Foundation Community Economic Development (CED) Fund, which supports programs that help disadvantaged people move toward self-reliance.

Groupe Convex creates valuable employment opportunities for people at risk of chronic unemployment. It manages eight social enterprises that employ a total of 161 workers. One of the social enterprises, Recycle-Action, is a recycling transfer centre which is in the process of expanding. Recycle-Action provided 22 jobs in 2011 and will offer 12 additional employment opportunities given that it is in a growing phase. Four of the new employees will be persons with intellectual disabilities. The grant of $20,000 made it possible to provide 12 weeks of on the job training for these four new employees.

''Groupe Convex is a network of social businesses providing employment opportunities for people at risk of unemployment. At the core of our mandate, we needed to increase the skills of 12 new employees, among whom, four are living with an intellectual disability," said Caroline Arcand, Executive Director, Groupe Convex. "Thanks to The Co-operators, our organization was able to provide them with specific and hands-on, on-the-job-training, which resulted in securing their employment at Recycle-Action. I think as a society, we need to think differently about economy and prosperity. Community economic development is a sound formula to reinvent job creation and The Co-operators gave us the kind of help to leverage our mission."

"Groupe Convex makes an enormous impact on the lives of those it works with directly, and strengthens communities in the Prescott-Russell area in the process," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "In a truly sustainable, vibrant community, everyone has a chance to live up to his or her potential. The programs Groupe Convex offers provide that opportunity to people who otherwise wouldn't have access to the supports they need. We're proud to lend our support."

This grant was among more than $200,000 disbursed to 11 community enterprises and initiatives across the country.

The Community Economic Development (CED) Fund was established in 1995 to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of The Co-operators and has since disbursed more than $3.6 million to 88 organizations. The CED Fund is part of The Co-operators Foundation, which supports social enterprises, co-operatives, charitable organizations and non-profit organizations throughout Canada.

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $38 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. 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.