Co-op strives to improve the communities in which it operates with FCL donating $3.7 million to charities and non-profits in 2014 on behalf of the Co-operative Retailing System. In March 2015, Co-op launched the new Community Spaces Program, which will contribute up to $1 million this year to help support projects related to recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture projects. FCL also launched the Community Investment Fund – employee-led committees directing local giving – and Community Builders Program – providing donations based on employee involvement and volunteering.
Co-op continues to maintain its agricultural roots. Launched in 2013, the Excellence in Ag Program provides a unique experience – and comprehensive package – that helps finance education, provide experience in the field and build a professional career in agribusiness. The program offers a scholarship of up to $20,000 over four years, paid summer internship and employment opportunity following graduation. Up to four students may enter the program every year.
Co-op donated $1 million over five years to the Canadian Red Cross in 2013 to go toward disaster preparedness and relief. The donation has been timely, helping flood victims in southern Alberta in its first year and more flood relief in eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba the following year. In 2015, Co-op worked to assist evacuees – and their pets – from northern Saskatchewan wildfires. Co-op’s donation not only prepositions goods, it has helped train nearly 1,600 core disaster management volunteers.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis in Canadian women. Yet survival rates are increasing due to earlier detection and improved treatments. In 2014, the Co-operative Retailing System made a three-year, $1.5-million commitment to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to help fund leading-edge research. This donation is in addition to the Drink Pink campaign, a partnership between Co-op and Van Houtte coffee, which has raised $505,000 since 2010. Co-op also sponsored CIBC’s Run for the Cure in 2014 and organized employee teams in 10 cities.
It was a circus at Camp Circle of Friends. With the camp theme Under the Big Top, Saskatchewan youth who have experienced cancer spent four days enjoying fun summer activities. The Co-op Refinery Complex made a three-year commitment of $150,000 in 2015 towards camp infrastructure costs – such as the new storage building with attached dorm room – so more kids can attend the camp. Refinery employees also packed and delivered care packages with sweet treats, insect repellant, tooth brush and dental floss in a Roughrider backpack.
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