GUELPH, ON, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Saskatoon's Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-operative (CNYC) received a boost today with the announcement of a $15,000 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 gain skills and move toward self-reliance.

Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-operative was established in 1996 to help local young people, predominantly aboriginal youth, build skills and access education outside of the regular school system and workforce. Its mission is to create opportunities through hands-on programming and community outreach. CNYC allows youth to access four or more high school credits outside of the traditional classroom. The $15,000 grant will support CNYC's "Learning through Carpentry" program in which five young people will be paid honorariums for their work building and selling products, while earning high school credits.

"The contribution that The Co-operators makes to Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-operative Carpentry Program has a big impact on the youth we serve today and throughout their lives. This contribution assures CNYC the chance to keep giving them an opportunity to grow, learn and succeed," said Marcel Petit, Executive Director, CNYC. "Over the past several years we have made sure that we talk with the youth to better understand their needs and desires. This has allowed us to structure our programs in ways that provide the biggest impact, and encourage these young people to carry through with them. This funding will allow us to keep the high standards of our education and work skills programs."

"Organizations like CNYC make an enormous impact on the lives of those they work with directly, and strengthen communities like Saskatoon 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. CNYC provides 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.