GUELPH, ON, Jan. 4 /CNW/ - The Co-operators today announced that it raised a record-breaking $609,625 for United Way chapters across Canada. The combined total exceeds last year's United Way donation by more than $16,000.

Fundraising campaigns led by staff at Co-operators offices across Canada yielded $327,081, with corporate contributions topping $282,544. Special events, such as the used Blackberry sales through Facilities Management in Regina, VIP Pictionary in Moncton, and head shaving in Guelph were among the highlights of this year's initiative. The Co-operators Life staff in Regina raised $114,352, including a total corporate donation of $97,694, for a grand sum of $212,046. Head office in Guelph saw the largest campaign with a combined staff and corporate contribution of $221,426, and was recognized with three awards from the local United Way chapter:

    -   Silver Award (Based on Results)
    -   Spirit Award
    -   Volunteer Coordinator of the Year Award

"The United Way helps build a better future for many Canadians, funding various organizations that support much needed social services," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "Our staff have made it their personal mission to reach out to those in need, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Co-operators has made a corporate donation on behalf of each staff member to local United Way chapters across Canada."

Through its network of 125 local chapters, the United Way helps to build caring communities, providing direct financial support to some 7,000 agencies across the country. These organizations provide a variety of health and social services, from prevention to counselling to crisis intervention.

About The Co-operators:

Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian companies offering home, auto, life, group, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products and property development. With assets of more than $7 billion, The Co-operators is owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit unions and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its philanthropy and community involvement, and is listed in Report on Business among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.