GUELPH, ON, March 23 /CNW/ - The Co-operators announced today a contribution of $100,000 to the International Co-operative Alliance's (ICA) "Japan Disaster Recovery Fund." The Fund was established to support the rebuilding of co-operatives in Japan following the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami.

"As a co-operative, our organization is guided by the seven universal co-operative principles, one of which is 'co-operation among co-operatives,'" said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators, and a member of the ICA board of directors. "Through this fund, the international co-operative community will help support the recovery of these organizations, which contribute so much to the health and vitality of Japanese communities."

Numerous co-operatives in Japan, particularly in the Miyaagi and Iwate prefectures, suffered severe damage caused by the March 11 9.0-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan and the subsequent tsunami. The ICA estimates that one in three families in Japan is a member of a co-operative.

The International Co-operative Alliance is an independent non-governmental organization which unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide. The Co-operators is involved in the ICA through its membership in the Canadian Co-operative Association.

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.