New Co-op program funds community projects

SASKATOON, March 19, 2015 /CNW/ - We could all use some space – to meet, play, learn and share. Co-op is launching a new funding program to help protect, beautify and improve the spaces that help communities thrive.

Co-op Community Spaces will donate up to $1 million annually to fund projects related to recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture across Western Canada.

"Spaces define our local communities," said Vic Huard, Executive Vice-President of Strategy at Federated Co-operatives Limited. "Co-ops continue to make life better by investing in local economies and giving back to communities with programs such as Co-op Community Spaces."

Project funding is available between $25,000 and $100,000 for capital projects in Western Canada by a registered non-profit, registered charity or community service co-operative. Funding is available for projects in three categories:

• Recreation: Enhancing recreation opportunities such as recreation centres and playgrounds;
• Environmental Conservation: Preserving natural spaces such as green spaces, parks and interpretive centres; and
• Urban Agriculture: Supporting small-scale agricultural initiatives in rural and urban spaces such as community gardens and food education facilities.

Online applications will be accepted between April 1 and May 15, 2015. Co-op will announce the successful community projects this fall.

Visit www.communityspaces.ca for more information or contact [email protected].

About Federated Co-operatives Limited and the Co-operative Retailing System

Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), based in Saskatoon, is the 45th largest company in Canada and the largest non-financial co-operative in Canada. FCL is a unique multi-billion dollar wholesaling, manufacturing, marketing and administrative co-operative owned by 210 autonomous retail co-operatives across Western Canada. Together FCL and those local retail co-operatives form the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS). The CRS serves our members and communities with products and services that help build, feed and fuel individuals and communities from Vancouver Island to northwestern Ontario. Our total workforce of 24,500 employees serve 1.6 million active individual members and many more non-member customers at 2,500 retail locations in more than 500 communities. We are a different kind of business – we are locally invested, community-minded and offer lifetime membership benefits including patronage refunds, quality products, quality service and fair prices. More information is available at www.coopconnection.ca.

SOURCE Federated Co-operatives Limited

Daniel Jungwirth, Federated Co-operatives Limited, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]