GUELPH, ON, Oct. 3 /CNW/ - Juno Award winner Mitch Dorge, former drummer
of Emmy-nominated Crash Test Dummies, is bringing his 'in-your-face and
interactive' presentation to Guelph schools beginning today as part of his
Life Choices campaign aimed at Canadian youth.
    Dorge recently teamed up with The Co-operators and is taking his advocacy
for responsible decision-making to high schools across the country. He sought
out the leading insurance co-operative knowing that its emphasis on youth
empowerment meshes well with his positive message. "It was a natural fit,"
Dorge said of his partnership with The Co-operators. "They were looking for
innovative ways to engage young people and offer them alternative perspectives
on important decisions. This was a great opportunity for us to work together."
    The presentation itself is always tailored to meet the needs of the
participating school. Normally, students will rotate in and out of the
presentation by grade level throughout the course of a half day. Topics
covered include drug and alcohol awareness, driving safety, goal setting and
safe sex.
    Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators, comments on her
organization's enthusiasm about the drummer's campaign. "Mitch is an energetic
personality with a great message. As a successful musician, he's poised to be
a very positive influence on our young people. We're glad to support his
efforts by bringing his unique message to a broader audience."
    Youth living in the information age are bombarded with more information
and controversy than ever before. Young Canadians are forced to make important
social and educational decisions every day, too often without the support of
positive and credible mentors. Mitch Dorge is out to shed some light on the
power of positive thinking and self awareness. The Co-operators is proud to
support his innovative and interactive campaign to engage Canadian youth.

    Mitch's Guelph schedule is as follows:

    October 3 - John F. Ross CVI
    October 4 - Our Lady of Lourdes
    October 5 - College Heights
    October 9 - St. James
    October 10 - Centennial CVI
    October 25 - Bishop Macdonell

    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
community involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.

For further information: Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators,
1-877-795-7272, ext. 2707; Mitch Dorge, Cell: (204) 295-9636