Two local mental health programs receive $85,000 from The Co-operators 20th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

GUELPH, ON, June 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Last night, The Co-operators presented a cheque for $85,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin after a day of golf at the Ariss Valley Golf and Country Club, site of the 20^th Annual Community Charity Golf Tournament. The funds will be split between two important community initiatives: Giving Light Offers Worth and Wellness (GLOWW) and the Suicide Awareness Council of Wellington-Dufferin. It was the largest amount raised to date at the annual event, bringing the 20-year total to $508,500.

Giving Light Offers Worth and Wellness is a youth-led group that meets to bring awareness to mental health issues. They are passionate about reducing the stigma associated with youth mental health. The funds raised will be used to support their ongoing projects as well as a new opportunity to send young people for leadership training this summer.

The Suicide Awareness Council of Wellington-Dufferin is a community partnership with the purpose to build and sustain linkages among community groups and services; to identify gaps in support related to suicide; and to increase awareness and understanding of suicide through education and resource coordination. The Suicide Awareness Council is a community council for which CMHA does financial administration.

"On behalf of GLOWW, we would like to thank The Co-operators for organizing today's event," said Kristin Hunter and Megan Kole from GLOWW. "These funds will allow GLOWW to continue with our vision of a community that is free of the stigma associated with mental health." 

"As a community volunteer I really appreciate The Co-operators support of our efforts to bring suicide awareness to people in Guelph and the counties of Wellington and Dufferin," added Amy Cousineau, Council volunteer.

Organized entirely by Co-operators volunteers, the charity golf tournaments began in 1995. All money raised goes to support local organizations that do not receive significant financial support from The United Way or other funding agencies.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $36 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; Kristin Hunter, GLOWW, 519-836-4991 ext. 2530; Sandra Parkinson, Suicide Awareness Council, 519-766-4450 ext. 231