GUELPH, ON, Dec. 6, 2011 /CNW/ - The Co-operators announced a donation of $10,000 to the Goderich & Area Disaster Relief Fund to help residents rebuild from the devastating tornado that tore through the area on August 21.

The Fund aids homeowners, tenants, small businesses, farmers and non-profit organizations with expenses related to tornado damage that are not covered by insurance. Funds raised by The Goderich & Area Disaster Relief Committee will be matched up to a 2 to 1 ratio by the Province of Ontario.

"It is incredibly difficult on a number of levels for families and businesses to go through what the people of Goderich have had to get through over the past few months," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "But in the face of such adversity, it's been remarkable how the community has come together to help one another and move forward."

To date, cheques amounting to just over $2 million have been issued to Co-operators clients to help them with the recovery and rebuilding process.

Many residential and industrial properties, including a number of historic buildings, were completely destroyed. The Co-operators office was one of the many buildings in the downtown commercial core rendered beyond repair. Both The Co-operators staff and the building's landlord are committed to rebuilding in the downtown core and continuing The Co-operators history of serving the residents of Goderich that dates back more than 30 years.

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.