GUELPH, ON, March 12, 2014 /CNW/ - The Co-operators and its employees across Canada raised a total of $686,288 during the 2013 United Way campaign to support the vital health and social services provided by United Way member agencies.

Through a series of local staff-led campaigns, employees made donations at fundraising events such as casual days, raffles and United Way education sessions and through payroll deductions, raising $392,742. The Co-operators made a corporate contribution of $293,545.

"Our staff members are the embodiment of the co-operative principle of concern for community. They work hard every year to run fun and creative campaigns to support the United Way agencies in their communities," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "The United Way campaign brings us all together each year to raise much-needed funding for organizations that touch the lives of so many of us, our friends and our neighbours."

The United Way is the largest non-government funder of social services and the voluntary sector in Canada. Based on local needs and challenges, the United Way provides vital funding to its member agencies, helping to improve Canadians' quality of life. With funding from local donors like The Co-operators, United Way chapters in Canada are able to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.

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