GUELPH, ON, Jan. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The Co-operators announced today that it has raised $737,549 for local United Way chapters across Canada. Through a series of local staff-led campaigns, employees made donations at fundraising events and through payroll deductions, and The Co-operators made corporate contributions as well.

Staff members in Co-operators offices throughout the country donated a total of $410,894, while the organization contributed an additional $326,655. Campaigns in offices across Canada featured fun and creative ways to raise money for their local United Way chapters.

"Making a considerable contribution in the communities where we live and work is at the core of who we are as a Canadian co-operative," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "Our commitment to supporting the United Way, and the vital services it funds, shines through with every creative staff-led campaign and volunteer effort we engage in."

The United Way is the largest non-government funder of social services and the voluntary sector in Canada. With funding from local donors like The Co-operators, United Way chapters in Canada are able to support their member agencies that provide vital health and social services to Canadian communities. Based on local needs and challenges, the United Way provides much-needed funding to its member agencies, helping to improve the quality of life for all Canadians.

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. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE: The Co-operators