Ottawa residents win $10,000 toward green home improvements

OTTAWA, March 31 /CNW/ - Opting to receive The Co-operators newsletters electronically rather than in print form not only benefited the environment, it also earned Terence and Arlene McGinn of Ottawa $10,000 to be used toward green home upgrades. The McGinns, winners of The Co-operators Green Home Upgrade Contest, received their cheque today from local Co-operators agent Jacqueline Carnegie.

The contest, which ran from March 16, 2009 until December 11, 2009, encouraged Co-operators clients across the country to switch to e-newsletters to reduce paper consumption. Current and prospective clients who signed up to receive The Co-operators e-newsletter by providing their e-mail addresses to their agents or through contest links online, were entered for the chance to make their homes more eco-friendly with the $10,000 prize.

The McGinns chose to put their winnings toward Energy Star windows and doors, which will make their home more energy efficient.

"The contest was a fantastic way of emphasizing the importance of being environmentally accountable, which is something The Co-operators believes very strongly in," said Co-operators agent Jacqueline Carnegie. "A major part of our company's vision is to be a catalyst for a sustainable society, and we want to encourage and reward clients who are helping us achieve our goals."

About The Co-operators

The Co-operators is a national group of companies that provide insurance protection and investment products. Owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and like-minded organizations, The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and partnerships with charitable and non-profit groups. The Co-operators is a proud Canadian co-operative and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada in Report on Business magazine. For more information, visit www.cooperators.ca.

For further information: Jacqueline Carnegie, The Co-operators, [phone]