The Co-operators has paid $125,600 in grants to support ten Canadian co-operatives that are working to meet the economic and social needs of their communities. Funding is provided by the The Co-operators Foundation Co-operative Development Program.

"These organizations are working on a wide range of issues, from homelessness to helping seniors remain in their homes, from building sustainable local food systems to promoting local biofuels," says Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "We are pleased to support the work of these co-ops, which are helping to enhance the sustainability of their communities." "

The following organizations are receiving the grants:

Coopérative de solidarité l'Autre-Toit - Sherbrooke, Québec
Coopérative de solidarité Temps libre – Montréal, Quebec
Elevations Co-operative - Toronto, Ontario
The Karma Project Community Food Co-operative - Simcoe County, Ontario
Western Manitoba Seniors Non-Profit Housing Cooperative - Brandon, Manitoba
Peg City Car Co-operative - Winnipeg, Manitoba
Calgary Aging in Place Co-operative – Calgary, Alberta
BC Eco Seed Coop - British Columbia
Coast Car Co-operative - Sechelt, British Columbia
Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-operative - Duncan, British Columbia

The Co-operators created the Cooperative Development Program 24 years ago. Since its inception, the program has provided over $2.2 million to 162 emerging or growing Canadian co-operatives that work to fulfil needs that are not met locally.