GUELPH, ON, Dec. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - This month, $86,618 in grants was awarded from The Co-operators Foundation - IMPACT! Fund to 20 young Canadians leading innovative sustainability projects on campuses and in communities throughout the country. The 20 applicants, from 14 universities and two colleges, will use the funding to support their respective projects, which are aimed at finding solutions to important sustainability issues.

Created in 2009, the IMPACT! Fund supports alumni of IMPACT! The Co-operators Youth Program for Sustainability Leadership in their continuing sustainability work. The ongoing program has created a network of more than 440 exceptional student leaders from colleges and universities across Canada. Since its inception, The Co-operators has distributed more than $250,000 through the IMPACT! Fund to participants who are taking action to create a healthier tomorrow.

"The IMPACT! program has brought together bright young people from a variety of backgrounds, who share a common passion for affecting change and addressing serious environmental, social and economic challenges we face," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO for The Co-operators. "We're pleased to provide financial support for the incredible work they are already doing in their communities."

The projects receiving funding are focused on a wide range of issues, including sustainable food production and harvesting, waste reduction and management, sustainable energy, transportation, the performing arts, and climate change awareness. The funding provided will help kick start some projects, and ensure continued operation and expansion of others. 

Below is a list of recipients, including their hometown, college or university and project name. For more information on each project, please visit http://www.impactyouthsustainability.ca/impact_fund/2012_recipients.

Alla Guelber, Calgary, Alberta; Royal Roads University - Meaningful Work Convergence
Alyssa Kostello, Vancouver, British Columbia; Capilano University - NOW! Theatre
Athina Conner, Victoria, British Columbia; Camosun College - Permaculture Design Certification Club
Clarie Horwood, Victoria, British Columbia; Camosun College - Camosun FarmBox
Cole Nadalin, Sarnia, Ontario; Lambton College - Lambton College Sustainability Club
Devon Willis, Montreal, Quebec; McGill University - Vélobstacles
Emilie Novaczek, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Kings University College - Wings of Change
Evan Bowness, Winnipeg, Manitoba; University of Manitoba - Garden Share
Jane Wu, Toronto, Ontario; Queen's University - 9Lives
Jonathan Glencross, Montreal, Quebec; McGill University - Bike Beyond Your Choir
Keleigh Annau, Parksville, British Columbia; Mount Allison University - Lights Out Canada
Lisa Prince, Guelph, Ontario; University of Guelph - Food Justice and Sustainability educational workshops
Manu Suvarna, Vancouver, British Columbia; University of British Columbia - cooking oil conversion to biodiesel fuel, to be used on UBC campus
Maria Grountseva, Vancouver, British Columbia; University of British Columbia - The Greenhouse Fence Project
Mats van Kleef, Oshawa, Ontario; University of Ontario Institute of Technology - thermal energy storage for greenhouses
Riley Pollom, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador; Memorial University of Newfoundland - Bitters Restaurant & Lounge
Robert Woodrich, Windsor, Ontario; University of Windsor - "Here We Grow" Sustainability Workshop Series
Simran Lehal, Hay River, Northwest Territories; University of Northern British Columbia - increase capacity and resiliency of local and traditional food networks and systems, in Hay River
Terry Sidhu, Burnaby, British Columbia; Simon Fraser University - awareness campaign, focusing on greenhouse gasses and carpooling at SFU

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $36 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 and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens 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.

SOURCE: The Co-operators