GUELPH, ON, Nov. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators announced it is extending its support for Arctic Co-operatives Limited's aluminum recycling program in Nunavut, with an additional contribution of $26,000. The funding will allow Arctic Co-operatives to expand and improve the program, which operates in 23 communities in the territory. The program was created in 2011 with the help of a $40,000 donation from The Co-operators.

The new funding from The Co-operators will permit Arctic Co-operatives to expand its operation with the addition of central can crushing equipment. This equipment will allow for significant overall reduction of transportation costs. This expansion will allow Arctic Co-ops to recycle up to 2 million cans per year, and donate more from the recycling program to local community groups.

"Through this program, we are leading communities in the Arctic to achieve a cleaner environment and reduce consumption of a non-renewable resource." said Bill Lyall, President of Arctic Co-operatives Limited.

A variety of local community groups are involved in coordinating the recycling program in their communities, which serves as a fundraising endeavour. For each full shipping container collected, the local community group receives $1,500 to support community benefit projects. To date, these have included Sila Rainbow, a non-profit organization focused on supporting youth in Arviat; Hall Beach Fire Department and Community College in Hall Beach; Les Petits Nanooks Day Care in Iqaluit; Kiilinik High School in Cambridge Bay; and the girls' basketball team in Baker Lake.

"The leadership shown by Arctic Co-operatives is making a real difference by recycling millions of cans that would otherwise be sent to landfills or become litter," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators.  "We're very pleased to support this initiative to create cleaner communities while supporting local organizations throughout Nunavut."

Prior to Arctic Co-operatives beginning its recycling program, Nunavut was the only Canadian territory or province without a formal recycling program. Since its inception in 2011, 19 sea containers containing approximately 750,000 cans have been shipped out of the territory to be recycled.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $34 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 by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators