Charity Times Magazine - CO-OPERATORS RAISES RECORD AMOUNT

Are your purchasing habits influenced by a company's philanthropic support of certain causes?

	Yes. I already buy products from companies that support certain causes.
	Yes, I would buy products if I knew the company was supporting charities.
	Maybe ... it depends on what the proceeds are being used for.
	No, there isn't enough transparency to prove my money goes to help.

CO-OPERATORS RAISES RECORD AMOUNT

GUELPH - Today The Co-operators announced that its series of local campaigns succeeded in raising a record of $593,129 for United Way chapters across Canada in 2008. This represents a 10 per cent increase from the previous year's results and the organization's highest contribution yet.

The United Way is a primary Canadian funder of vital community projects and programs and its annual campaigns contribute significantly to community well-being across the country. Through its network of 120 local chapters, the United Way helps to build caring communities, providing direct financial support to some 7,000 agencies. These organizations provide a variety of health and social services, from prevention to counselling to crisis intervention.