The Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation has been recognized as Ontario’s 2011 Distinguished Co-operator. The award was given out at the Co-op Conference and Gala on October 19. The 11th annual gala recognized several organizations that have benefitted the co-op movement in Ontario.
The Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation has existed since 1979 and is based in Stoney Creek; since their founding they have helped raise over $700,000 in grants given to other co-ops to aid their fundraising efforts. Their mission is to help “benefit and build communities throughout Ontario.” One of their programs is the Dauphinee Scholarship Fund which aids students involved in co-op studies.
This year’s Co-op Conference and Gala was held at Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens. The theme of the conference was Gearing Up because 2012 is the International Year of Co-operatives and those in attendance want to be ready to educate the public. In addition to the awards that were presented, the conference featured workshop presentations, professional development opportunities and the chance for those involved in co-ops to network with their peers. Also, flyer and brochure printers in the area provided displays of information about the various organizations.
Co-ops are becoming more and more important in this economy. They are by their very nature the most democratic way of doing business; everyone’s input is important to the successful running of the company and everyone benefits when that business is a success. It also means that any profits made will stay within the community rather than going to a head office in Toronto or even the United States.
