The Co-operators announced grants from its Co-operative Development Program totalling $46,800 to five emerging British Columbia co-ops. On the list is the Okanagan Car Share Co-op based in Kelowna who received $8,000.
Okanagan Car Share Co-op strives to create a more diverse transportation network in the Okanagan Valley though car sharing, reducing carbon emissions, and benefitting residents and businesses. It plans to use the grant money to develop its marketing strategy.
Also receiving funding were Vancouver’s Metro Vancouver City Farms, Shift Delivery Co-op and SIKAT Trading Co-op and Women in Need Community Co-operative based in Victoria.
“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 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.
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $33 billion in assets. They are listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations inCanada by Sustainalytics and Maclean’s magazine.
