The Co-operators provides $76,550 to six emerging Ontario co-ops

GUELPH, ON, Aug. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators announced grants from its Co-operative Development Program (CDP) totalling $76,550 to six emerging Ontario co-ops. The recipient organizations reflect the breadth and diversity of the co-operative sector in Canada, ranging from car share co-ops to renewable energy to social services.

The following co-ops received grant money, encouraging their growth and supporting their business success.

Coopérative Aequitas Essences Corp. - Ottawa ($11,140)
Coopérative Aequitas Essences Corp. intends to commercialize spices and aromatic plants (specifically Fair Trade bourbon vanilla from the Comoro Islands) in order to become the leading direct supplier to manufactures and wholesale distributers in the food processing industry. Grant money will be used for Fair Trade certification and to develop promotional material.

Dandelion Health Food Co-operative Inc. - Lanark ($7,500)
A worker co-op formed in 2011, the Dandelion Health Food Co-operative Inc. provides worker-owners with quality work, and the community with a low-cost organic health food store. It will use grant money for branding and promotion.

Wintergreen Renewable Energy Cooperative - Godfrey ($13,000)
Wintergreen Renewable Energy Cooperative develops community-based renewable energy for the Kingston region, by partnering with community organizations in the public and private sectors. The co-op's first project is to set up five wind turbines, and they will use their grant money to expand their marketing efforts.

Eat Local Sudbury Co-op - Sudbury ($17,000)
Eat Local Sudbury Co-op increases the availability of locally grown food, connects farmers to consumers, boosts the local economy and educates on the importance of sustainable food systems. It's the only "local only" food retailer in, or near, Sudbury, and will use the grant money to complete a feasibility study and update its business plan.

Coopérative Régionale de Moonbeam Ltée - Moonbeam ($12,910)
When the owner of the only local Moonbeam grocery store ceased operations, the town rallied to form a co-operative to acquire the store. Coopérative Régionale de Moonbeam Ltée plans to use the grant money to develop a website and ensure it continues to not only service the town of Moonbeam but also far northern communities with no road access.

Coopérative agricole de Windsor Inc. - Windsor ($15,000)
Coopérative agricole de Windsor Inc. is a production co-op focused on the production of exotic foods, giving Francophone newcomers the ability to share their food traditions and economically contribute to their communities. The grant money will be used to develop a business and marketing plan.

"Each of these organizations has a profound positive impact on its members and its community," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "They are all fine examples of why it is so important to continue supporting the Canadian co-operative sector, and each demonstrate the important role co-ops play in communities."

The Co-operative Development Program is part of The Co-operators Foundation and reflects The Co-operators commitment to supporting emerging and expanding co-operatives in Canada. The program encourages the viability and growth of co-ops that respond to the collective needs of Canadians.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $33 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 listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE: The Co-operators

Leonard Sharman
The Co-operators
519-767-3937