GUELPH, ON, Nov. 30, 2011 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators announced a donation of $25,000 to AIESEC Canada, a youth-run organization that provides a platform for leadership development among Canadian students. This marks the 30^th year that The Co-operators has provided financial support to the organization.

The Co-operators is the group's biggest supporter, with contributions to AIESEC at the national level dating back to 1981, and involvement at the local level with AIESEC Guelph for the past five years.

"The Co-operators and AIESEC's long-running partnership is based on our mutual interests and desire to help develop young Canadians for future success," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and the opportunity to gain hands-on skills outside of the classroom is invaluable."

The world's largest student-driven organization, AIESEC is present in over 110 countries and territories and with over 60,000 members, and offers young people the opportunity to take part in international internships, gain leadership experience and participate in a global learning environment.

"For 30 years, The Co-operators have been a staunch supporter of AIESEC Canada and its mission to develop entrepreneurial, globally-minded youth leaders. Their support has contributed to our membership's sustainability awareness, global internship experiences and mentorship opportunities between Co-operators employees and AIESEC members," said Peter Gallivan, President for AIESEC Canada. "We value our partnership with The Co-operators and look forward to continuing to provide mutual benefit by facilitating an important dialogue between youth and leaders in Canadian business." 

The Co-operators funding has allowed AIESEC to grow and provide life-changing experiences to its members. AIESEC members have gained valuable experience working directly with The Co-operators in various capacities and The Co-operators in turn has benefited from their insight. They played a key role as a partner in organizing IMPACT! The Co-operators Program for Sustainability Leadership, which was launched in 2009, and five AIESEC members sit on The Co-operators Community Advisory Panel.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $41 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.

About AIESEC
For over 50 years, AIESEC Canada has been facilitating a global internship program that connects Canadian companies with a global network of students and recent grads. Through its experiential learning program, AIESEC is developing the next generation of global leaders. AIESEC Canada is one part of the world's largest student-run organization and is based out of Toronto. For more information please visit www.aiesec.ca.