Canadian ICMIF member The Co-operators last week announced CAD 200,000 in funding to support Canadians who are most vulnerable and impacted by COVID-19. This contribution is in addition to the financial services cooperative’s annual campaign that in 2019 raised over CAD 675,000 through employee and corporate contributions.

The CAD 200,000 will be distributed to 28 local United Way Centraides where The Co-operators has corporate operations, reflecting its commitment to support the resilience and well-being of local Canadian communities. United Way Centraides is a federated network of over 80 offices serving more than 5,000 communities across Canada, each registered as its own non-profit organization and governed by an independent volunteer-led local Board of Directors. Locally and nationally, their goal is the same – to create opportunities for a better life for everyone in their communities.

At a time when physical distancing has added complexity and challenges to ensuring vulnerable and elderly Canadians have access to much-needed assistance and support, this funding will help United Way Centraide build community capacity to deliver their important programming.

“Across Canada, non-profits, charities and the communities that they serve are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Rob Wesseling, President and CEO, The Co-operators. “To help enhance the resilience of Canadians and our communities, we are pleased to provide United Way Centraide with this donation to support people and organizations on the ground, who are addressing these unprecedented challenges head-on.”

“Now more than ever, it is critical that we all work together to protect the most vulnerable in our communities and we’re thankful to The Co-operators for their generous support,” said Dan Clement, President and CEO, United Way Centraide Canada, “The Co-operators has been a long-standing and valued partner. Through this additional gift we will work to ensure the most vulnerable have access to life’s essentials and that community partners and agencies can continue to do their vital work in local communities across the country.”