GUELPH, ON, Jan. 6 /CNW/ - The Co-operators today announced that it has raised $721,016 for United Way chapters across Canada, setting a new fundraising record for the group of companies. Creative fundraising campaigns in offices throughout the country yielded $391,492 in personal donations from staff members and The Co-operators Foundation provided $50 on behalf of each employee for a total corporate contribution of $329,524.

The largest campaign, due to significant number of employees, was held in Guelph, Ontario, home to the head offices of Co-operators General Insurance Company and The Co-operators Group Limited. Staff members there raised a total of $167,703, and the campaign received two awards from the local United Way chapter. In Regina, where Co-operators Life Insurance Company is based, staff members personally raised a total of $110,300. Employees of The CUMIS Group Limited, based in Burlington, Ontario, raised $49,300.

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

Thanks to funding from local donors such as The Co-operators, member agencies of United Way chapters in Canada are able to provide health and social services support to people throughout the country. By providing much-needed funding based on local needs and challenges, the United Way helps its member agencies strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

The United Way is the largest non-government funder of social services and the voluntary sector in Canada. 

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $42 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 owned by 47 Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to creating a more sustainable tomorrow. In 2010, The Co-operators was ranked #2 among the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada and listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.