Two Nanaimo-based co-operatives received a share of $19,000 in grants from The Co-operators insurance group.
Cedar Opportunities Co-operative received $10,000 to assist in planning the opening of its Coco Café, owned and operated by families with developmentally disabled members in Cedar and Yellow Point, and will employ people with developmental disabilities.
Nanaimo Car Share Cooperative’s mission is to provide a self-reliant means of transportation for low-income people and those who choose not to own a car. The Co-operators’ grant of $9,000 will go toward the purchase of a second car.
The grants are two of 11 handed out across the country.
“Co-operation among co-operatives is one of the seven principles that all co-ops adhere to,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “As one of the larger co-ops in the country, we are proud to support smaller local co-ops that will put this money to great use in improving the quality of life in their communities.”
Over the past 19 years, The Co-operators has provided more than $1.5 million in grants and investments to 118 Canadian co-operatives through its Co-operative Development Program.
For more information, please visit www.cooperators.ca.