The Co-operators on Wednesday announced that it had given a total of $125,600 in grants to 10 Canadian co-operatives that have been tackling social and economic needs in their respective communities.
"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," said The Co-operators president and CEO Kathy Bardswick. "We are pleased to support the work of these co-ops, which are helping to enhance the sustainability of their communities."
Funding for the grants was provided through The Co-operators Foundation Co-operative Development Program, which was established 24 years ago. Since its inception, the program has provided over $2.2 million to 162 emerging or expanding Canadian cooperatives.
The organizations that received the grants are:
Coopérative de solidarité l'Autre-Toit – Sherbrooke, Que.
This cooperative runs 22 housing units for the homeless and is looking to provide living accommodations for 24 more members.
Coopérative de solidarité Temps libre – Montreal
The cooperative acts as a hub for the development and spread of “cultural, social and digital projects rooted in the Montreal area.” The cooperative’s facilities welcome other organizations dedicated to the transformation of communities.
Elevations Co-operative – Toronto
This is an initiative created by leaders of the East African community in the GTA “to support their community members in small business development and to promote East African products and services.”
The Karma Project Community Food Co-operative – Simcoe County, Ont.
A community-owned co-op focused on changing the food system in Simcoe by managing five farmers’ markets, the local Good Food Box program, an “Edible Classroom” school program, donation drives, two community gardens, and two retail food stores.
Western Manitoba Seniors Non-profit Housing Cooperative – Brandon, Man.
A co-op that provides seniors with affordable housing options “that support physical and mental health, social engagement and personal independence.”
Peg City Car Co-operative – Winnipeg
This cooperative offers occasional car access to those in need of transportation without saddling them with the financial burden and responsibilities of actually owning an automobile.
Calgary Aging in Place Co-operative – Calgary
A co-op that aims to support seniors to stay in their own homes and neighborhoods, by offering home retrofit programs, cleaning services, property management, shopping and transportation services.
BC Eco Seed Coop – B.C.
A producer co-op dedicated to growing and providing seeds that are “ecologically grown, open-pollinated, regionally adapted, held in the public domain and not genetically engineered.”
Coast Car Co-operative – Sechelt, B.C.
A member-owned car sharing cooperative that offers individuals and businesses alternatives to automobile ownership; the organization believes this sharing setup can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-operative – Duncan, B.C.
This co-op is committed to the “local production, use and promotion of biofuels in order to achieve an environmentally sustainable local economy and to provide an alternative to existing fuels.”
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