The Co-operators marks ‘Co-op Week’ with $150,000 donation

The Co-operators has contributed $150,000 to the Canadian Co-operative Association to mark the kick off of ‘Co-op Week’ and support activities related to the International Year of Co-operatives.The United Nations has declared 2012 to be the International Year of Co-operatives. Celebrations during the week of Oct. 17, 2011, as well as during 2012, will share the theme of “Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World.” The aim of the celebrations is to raise the public’s awareness and understanding of co-operatives. “Through their structure, co-ops maintain a strong grassroots connection, and work to contribute something of value to their members and communities,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “Co-op Week is an opportunity to spread the word about who we are and how we operate, so that the consumer can make informed decisions about which type of company they choose to do business with.”