REGINA, July 28, 2011 /CNW/ - Co-operators Life Insurance Company today announced staff-directed donations of $43,200 to nine Regina-area organizations. The contributions are part of the organization's Directed Donations program, in which staff members may each direct $75 of corporate funds to the community organization of their choice. In total, a total of $236,150 was provided to 156 groups across Canada selected by Co-operators staff members, directors and delegates.

"Allowing our employees to direct where donations are going in the local community ensures that we help fund the organizations our people value the most," said Kevin Daniel, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Co-operators Life Insurance Company. "Many of our staff members are personally involved with these organizations, have used their services or know someone who has, so they understand just how much they can make a difference in a person's life."

The following local charities were among those chosen to receive donations by Co-operators Life staff members:

"Our organization relies heavily on donations to fund the important services we offer to women and children in our community," explained Sarah Valli, Executive Director of SOPHIA House. "We provide safe and affordable housing, on-site counselling and programs for people leaving violent homes. These supports are invaluable to our clients, and we couldn't deliver them without the financial support we get from the community."

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 Co-operators Life Insurance Company
Co-operators Life Insurance Company, with its head office in Regina, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Co-operators Group Limited. Through its operating subsidiaries, The Co-operators offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $40 billion in assets under administration. 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.