GUELPH, ON, July 28, 2011 /CNW/ - The Co-operators today announced donations totalling $236,150 to 156 community organizations throughout Canada, which were selected by Co-operators staff members, directors and delegates. The contributions are part of the organization's Directed Donations program, in which staff members each direct $75 of corporate funds and directors and delegates steer $125 to the organization of their choice.

"This popular program allows employees to be directly involved from start to finish as they nominate organizations and then choose which will receive their portion of the corporate donation," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "These charities are very close to our employees' hearts, ones they feel make enormous impacts in the communities they serve."

Organizations receiving donations are spread throughout Canada, where Co-operators offices are located. Among the 156 groups receiving funding this year are:

"As an almost entirely privately funded organization, every donation makes a difference and we are grateful to all The Co-operators employees who directed their support to our organization," explained Rose Cino, Communications Manager at Covenant House Toronto, one of the recipient organizations. "This donation will support the wide range of services we provide to homeless youth - from a shelter, food and clothing to educational and vocational support."

The funding is provided through The Co-operators Foundation, which supports social economy enterprises and other commendable causes throughout Canada. In total, 2,977 staff members directed $223,275 to 82 employee-nominated organizations, while 103 directors and delegates steered $12,875 to 74 organizations of their choice. In many cases, Co-operators staff members will be presenting the donations to organizations with which they are personally involved.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $40 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 well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is ranked #1 among the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada by Corporate Knights, and listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.