GUELPH, ON, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - Today The Co-operators announced that its
series of local campaigns succeeded in raising a record of $593,129 for United
Way chapters across Canada in 2008. This represents a 10 per cent increase
from the previous year's results and the organization's highest contribution
yet.
    The United Way is a primary Canadian funder of vital community projects
and programs and its annual campaigns contribute significantly to community
well-being across the country. Through its network of 120 local chapters, the
United Way helps to build caring communities, providing direct financial
support to some 7,000 agencies. These organizations provide a variety of
health and social services, from prevention to counselling to crisis
intervention.
    Campaigns at Co-operators offices across Canada once again reflected the
creativity and generosity of staff members who organized fundraising events,
made individual donations and pledged payroll deductions to support their
local chapters of the United Way. From the Fear Factor Challenge in Regina,
Stair Climb in London, to auctions, bake sales and BBQ's, staff-led office
campaigns raised a total of $316,404. The Co-operators added further corporate
contributions totalling $276,725, or $47 on behalf of each employee, to 47
local United Way chapters.
    The largest campaign - due to significant staff numbers - was at head
office in Guelph, Ontario where a total of $157,632 was raised by staff
members, which was topped-up with a corporate contribution of $52,402 for a
total of $210,034. The Co-operators was the recipient of the local 2008
Leadership Award, signifying the most individual donors who contributed a gift
of $1,000 or more. In addition to the money raised, The Co-operators also
provided a Loaned Representative - a staff member seconded on a full-time
basis for the duration of the 15-week campaign - to assist with fundraising
efforts in Guelph.
    "Supporting Canadian communities is one of our organization's core
values," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "It's
wonderful to see our staff members give back to their communities in such a
big way, particularly given the current state of our economy. The need for
services provided by United Way-supported agencies is growing, so it's great
that our contributions could increase as well."

    About The Co-operators:

    Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian
companies offering home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm
insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators Group Limited is a
100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with assets of $7 billion. It 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