GUELPH, ON, March 1 /CNW/ - The Co-operators has raised $298,270 for the Canadian Red Cross in support of the organization's relief efforts for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. A total of $149,135 was donated personally by Co-operators employees, agents and their staff, directors, delegates, members of its Community Advisory Panels and students who participated in IMPACT! The Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership. The Co-operators matched these contributions dollar-for-dollar.

"Canadians and people around the world were deeply saddened by the devastation in Haiti, and were moved to give generously to help the survivors in Haiti rebuild their communities," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "Our organization's commitment to match contributions helped our staff, agents and others to maximize the impact of their gifts to a country that urgently needs help."

The decision to match personal contributions through The Co-operators Foundation was made quickly following the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. An estimated 3 million people were affected, including well over 200,000 who lost their lives. The Red Cross began relief efforts immediately, focussing on search and rescue, emergency services, shelter, and sanitation.

"The generosity and support of The Co-operators will enable Red Cross to continue providing for immediate needs including shelter, clean water and medical support as well as address longer-term needs of the affected communities as we begin to help them rebuild and recover," said Ron Kelusky, director general of the Red Cross in Ontario.

About The Co-operators:

Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian companies that provide home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $7 billion in assets. It is owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its community involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.