Co-ops continue to support local charities and food banks

Co-ops across Western Canada are finding ways to support local charitable organizations and food banks as they navigate this unprecedented time and fulfill some of the community’s greatest needs.

As many businesses are forced to shut their doors in effort to flatten the curve, not-for-profit and charitable organizations continue to operate. These organizations are committed to serving their communities, especially in times of crisis when people are more vulnerable.

The pandemic has led to an increased demand for these services, resulting in an increased need for support and donations. And Co-ops across Western Canada are finding ways to help local community groups.

Here are a few highlights of how local Co-ops are giving back:

• Bakery team members at Evergreen Co-op in Alberta worked extra hours to make bread for donation to local food banks.
• Lake Lenore Agro Co-op found five cartons of N95 respirator masks in a storage area during a routine inventory check and donated them to the Saskatchewan Health Authority. These masks will protect health care workers on the frontlines of the pandemic.
• Red River Co-op donated $6,000 to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba to purchase tablets so kids staying at the hospital can stay connected to their loved ones.
• Discovery Co-op in Saskatchewan created ready-made Easter baskets to help friends and family stay connected during the holiday, while also raising funds for a good cause. The baskets could be ordered online and delivered right to the recipient’s doorstep along with a personalized message. A portion of the proceeds from each basket sold went directly to the Battlefords Food Bank.
• Vermillion Bay Co-op in northwestern Ontario worked with the local Lions Club to collect cash donations and non-perishable food items for the Dryden Food Bank.

We’re proud to see the different ways Co-ops are supporting their communities during these challenging times. To learn more about how your local Co-op is helping your community, look for updates on their social media pages.

Co-op cares, and together we will continue to keep our communities strong.

Photo credit: Evergreen Co-op