Latest news with #Co-operators
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
$1M from Co-operators Powers Kids Help Phone Peer-to-Peer Community for Youth Across Canada
TORONTO, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kids Help Phone (KHP) is proud to announce that with a renewed commitment Co-operators has reached $1M in support of youth through KHP's Feel Out Loud movement — Canada's largest movement for youth mental health. This latest contribution will help expand access to essential support and services for young people across the country. This commitment builds on Co-operators legacy of supporting youth mental health for more than three decades. As a founding donor of KHP's 24/7 texting service and the Peer-to-Peer Community, Co-operators has been instrumental in driving forward some of KHP's most impactful mental health innovations. This transformative investment will support the Peer-to-Peer Community, empowering youth from coast-to-coast-coast with a safe, co-created, youth-led online space to explore and let their feelings out. KHP staff and Peer-to-Peer moderators will also explore innovative approaches to maximize the impact of the platform, ensuring even more young people across Canada feel safe, supported, and heard as they engage with the Peer-to-Peer Community. In 2024, the Peer-to-Peer Community platform had a record 301,693 interactions, marking a 15% increase in volume compared to 2023, and the highest number of interactions since its launch in 2021. As a core component of KHP's vision for a more personalized and equitable e-mental health ecosystem, the Peer-to-Peer Community helps ensure youth can access the support they deserve in the ways that work best for them. 'Co-operators latest investment in KHP's services is a powerful example of the lasting impact that comes from a strong, long-term partnership,' said Susan Morris, Interim President & Co-CEO, KHP. 'Their ongoing generosity has helped us create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can turn to one another for connection and hope. We are incredibly grateful for their unwavering commitment to youth mental health.' 'Young people deserve mental health support that's accessible, inclusive, and designed with them in mind,' said Shawna Peddle, Associate Vice-President, Citizenship at Co-operators. 'We're honoured to support KHP's Feel Out Loud movement and the Peer-to-Peer Community, ensuring more young people have safe spaces to feel heard, supported, and empowered to navigate life's challenges.' Together, KHP and Co-operators are building a more supportive, connected future where all young people in Canada have the opportunity to grow stronger, together. FAST FACTS About Kids Help Phone Kids Help Phone (KHP) is Canada's only 24/7, free, confidential, and multilingual e-mental health solution. Whether through professional counselling, crisis response, or self-directed mental health resources, KHP has been a trusted space for youth for over 35 years. No matter the feeling or issue, big or small, KHP empowers young people to Feel Out Loud and access support whenever they need it most. KHP knows that young people and the issues they are facing are changing faster than ever. That's why innovation is more than what we do – it's who we are: a global leader in youth mental health that blends technology with empathy to better serve youth. KHP gratefully relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, stakeholder partners, corporate partners and governments to unlock the hope young people need to thrive in their worlds. Join us at . About Co-operators Proudly Canadian since 1945, Cooperators is a leading financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. With more than $72 billion in assets under administration, Cooperators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Currently a carbon neutral organization, Co-operators is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Cooperators is recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and ranked as one of Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. For more information, please visit: . For media inquiries: Email: media@ For more information, please contact: Kids Phone Communications Team
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Co-operators Community Funds Annual Report shows a growing need for financial support for Canadian charities and non-profits
TORONTO, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - In a time of economic uncertainty, many young and vulnerable Canadians are relying more heavily on the resources provided by non-profit organizations and charities for financial, mental health, and well-being supports. However, despite the growing reliance on the essential services offered by these types of organizations, many are struggling to meet their funding targets. Escalating pressures, ranging from the mental health crisis to healthcare system shortcomings, to the soaring cost of living, including food and housing insecurity, create barriers to non-profits and charities and their ability to respond to unmet needs in their communities. Co-operators Community Funds (CCF) acts as the philanthropic arm of Co-operators to grant charities, non-profits, co-operatives, and social enterprises with the funding they need to help with skills development and increased employability of underserved youth and/or people with mental health challenges. "Now more than ever, there is a critical need for programs that infuse community organizations with the resources they need to deliver on their mission." says Shawna Peddle, Associate Vice President of Citizenship at Co-operators. "The funding we provide through CCF, in part, supports the programming capacity of community organizations to address society's increasing dependence on their services. All towards a purpose that we share as a co-operative: helping meet unmet needs and generating meaningful, lasting impacts for individuals." In 2024, CCF received more than 100 grant applications, the most ever in a single year. In response, the CCF Board approved new guidelines to provide additional funding capacity to help meet the programming needs of the organizations that CCF supports. In total, $1,389,000 was disbursed to 59 charitable and non-profit organizations. "Communities are the foundation of our shared Canadian identity." added Peddle. "They serve a fundamental purpose as a place where culture, values, creativity, and prosperity can flourish while fostering a sense of connection and belonging that strengthens the social fabric of our country." CCF has a long-standing commitment to help underserved individuals gain the confidence and skills necessary to progress along their path to employability. Since its inception in 1995, CCF has provided $12.4 million to 267 organizations across Canada. "The charitable and non-profit sectors are critical levers to community resilience and can serve as a reliable source of services that help meet the unmet needs of people from all walks of life," says Sean Geobey, Chairperson, Co-operators Community Funds Board of Directors. "The current circumstances are particularly troubling and underscore the vital role CCF can play to enhance community connectedness and change lives." Click here to read the 2024 CCF Annual Report in full. Click here to learn more about Stella's Place or watch this short video. About Co-operators Co‑operators is a leading Canadian financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. Co‑operators has more than $64 billion in assets under administration and has been providing trusted guidance to Canadians since 1945. The organization is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Currently a carbon neutral organization, Co‑operators is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co‑operators is also ranked as a Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizen in Canada. For more information, please visit: For media inquiries email:media@ About Co-operators Community Funds Co-operators Community Funds (CCF) support community economic development initiatives that lead to job creation and/or enhanced employability for underserved youth and individuals with mental health challenges. Since 1995, $12.4 million has been disbursed to 267 charities, non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and co-operatives. A significant portion of CCF's invested assets (63% at the end of 2024) are generating positive social and environmental benefits through impact investments, transition investments and smaller-scale community impact investments. Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited and is used with permission. © 2025 Co-operators General Insurance Company. SOURCE The Co-operators Group Limited View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
27-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Co-operators Community Funds Annual Report shows a growing need for financial support for Canadian charities and non-profits
TORONTO, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - In a time of economic uncertainty, many young and vulnerable Canadians are relying more heavily on the resources provided by non-profit organizations and charities for financial, mental health, and well-being supports. However, despite the growing reliance on the essential services offered by these types of organizations, many are struggling to meet their funding targets. Escalating pressures, ranging from the mental health crisis to healthcare system shortcomings, to the soaring cost of living, including food and housing insecurity, create barriers to non-profits and charities and their ability to respond to unmet needs in their communities. Co-operators Community Funds (CCF) acts as the philanthropic arm of Co-operators to grant charities, non-profits, co-operatives, and social enterprises with the funding they need to help with skills development and increased employability of underserved youth and/or people with mental health challenges. "Now more than ever, there is a critical need for programs that infuse community organizations with the resources they need to deliver on their mission." says Shawna Peddle, Associate Vice President of Citizenship at Co-operators. "The funding we provide through CCF, in part, supports the programming capacity of community organizations to address society's increasing dependence on their services. All towards a purpose that we share as a co-operative: helping meet unmet needs and generating meaningful, lasting impacts for individuals." In 2024, CCF received more than 100 grant applications, the most ever in a single year. In response, the CCF Board approved new guidelines to provide additional funding capacity to help meet the programming needs of the organizations that CCF supports. In total, $1,389,000 was disbursed to 59 charitable and non-profit organizations. "Communities are the foundation of our shared Canadian identity." added Peddle. "They serve a fundamental purpose as a place where culture, values, creativity, and prosperity can flourish while fostering a sense of connection and belonging that strengthens the social fabric of our country." CCF has a long-standing commitment to help underserved individuals gain the confidence and skills necessary to progress along their path to employability. Since its inception in 1995, CCF has provided $12.4 million to 267 organizations across Canada. "The charitable and non-profit sectors are critical levers to community resilience and can serve as a reliable source of services that help meet the unmet needs of people from all walks of life," says Sean Geobey, Chairperson, Co-operators Community Funds Board of Directors. "The current circumstances are particularly troubling and underscore the vital role CCF can play to enhance community connectedness and change lives." Click here to read the 2024 CCF Annual Report in full. Click here to learn more about Stella's Place or watch this short video. About Co-operators Co‑operators is a leading Canadian financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. Co‑operators has more than $64 billion in assets under administration and has been providing trusted guidance to Canadians since 1945. The organization is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Currently a carbon neutral organization, Co‑operators is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co‑operators is also ranked as a Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizen in Canada. For more information, please visit: About Co-operators Community Funds Co-operators Community Funds (CCF) support community economic development initiatives that lead to job creation and/or enhanced employability for underserved youth and individuals with mental health challenges. Since 1995, $12.4 million has been disbursed to 267 charities, non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and co-operatives. A significant portion of CCF's invested assets (63% at the end of 2024) are generating positive social and environmental benefits through impact investments, transition investments and smaller-scale community impact investments. Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited and is used with permission. © 2025 Co-operators General Insurance Company.
Epoch Times
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Epoch Times
More Than a Third of Canadians Feel Unsafe Due to Threat of Car Theft: Survey
Canadian drivers are increasingly worried about vehicle theft, a concern heightened by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the emergence of more sophisticated tactics used by thieves, a new survey suggests. Nearly half of Canadians say they're more concerned than ever about car theft, while 36 percent report feeling unsafe due to the ongoing risk of having their vehicle stolen, a new Sixty-three percent of those polled identified lasting emotional distress and a sense of violation as key impacts of vehicle theft. But car theft doesn't just take an emotional toll, it takes a financial one too, respondents said. Seventy-two percent of those surveyed anticipate a financial strain when replacing or repairing a stolen vehicle, and the same percentage expect their insurance premiums to rise. 'Whether the cost is emotional or financial, Canadians simply cannot afford to face the ongoing crisis of vehicle theft,' Co-operators vice-president of home and auto insurance Tara Laidman said in a 'Disruptions and uncertainty in supply chains will only drive-up costs and replacement times, compounding an issue that has already sent shockwaves through communities.' Related Stories 4/29/2025 2/12/2025 Ontario residents are the most likely to call for stronger preventative car theft measures nationwide, the survey found, noting that 46 percent of the Ontarians surveyed reported either personal or second-hand exposure to vehicle theft—the highest in the country. While vehicle theft in Ontario The number of insurance claims due to theft fell by roughly 4,200 in the first half of 2024 since the previous year, but was still more than double 2014 levels, according to Insurance Bureau of Canada Overall, auto theft claims increased by 138 percent between 2012 and 2024 and the value of those claims 'skyrocketed' by 442 percent over that same time period, the bureau said. Ontario has recorded the most substantial growth in claims since 2014 at 291 percent. The rise in auto thefts is taking a toll on drivers, Laidman said. 'Vehicle owners are burnt out, and the onus is on the insurance industry, government and police to stay focused on our efforts to reduce the burden vehicle theft is placing on Canadians,' she said. Theft Prevention Ottawa launched a comprehensive The crackdown on auto thefts has led criminals to increasingly turn to keyless entry technology to steal cars. While 73 percent of those surveyed by the Co-operators say they are heavily dependent on their vehicles, few Canadians are investing in technology-based solutions to keep their vehicles safe, despite the rise in keyless entry thefts. Most vehicle owners take basic preventative steps like locking doors—88 percent—or not leaving the vehicle unattended while running—75 percent—but only 29 percent use an anti-theft alarm system, the survey found. Thirteen percent have used a steering wheel lock, 11 percent use window VIN etching, 10 percent use a TAG anti-theft system, and 8 percent use a faraday pouch for their key fobs to prevent keyless entry theft by blocking radio frequency signals. Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said auto theft methods have changed immensely since 2020. 'We're seeing a level of sophistication in vehicle theft that wasn't common even five years ago,' Milinovich said in the press release. 'These aren't one-off incidents. They're coordinated, fast-moving and often linked to larger criminal operations.' Much of the auto theft in Canada stems from organized crime, the government said, Stolen vehicles are typically used in one of two ways, the government said. Gangs are either working with organized crime groups to send the vehicles to the Middle East and Africa, or the cars are being used to commit crimes within Canada before they are destroyed.
Cision Canada
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
CO-OPERATORS SURVEY: CANADIANS CAN'T AFFORD THE CONTINUED COST OF VEHICLE THEFT Français
TORONTO, May 14, 2025 /CNW/ - According to a new survey from Co-operators, vehicle theft is a top-of-mind fear for Canadian drivers and that anxiety is made worse by a compounding cost-of-living crisis and increasingly sophisticated theft tactics. Almost half of the Canadians surveyed in the national poll say they're more concerned than ever before. The survey follows years of increasingly sophisticated theft operations that have directly or indirectly impacted nearly half of Canadians, whether through stolen vehicles, break-ins, or knowing someone who has experienced vehicle theft. The emotional toll of this continued crisis is clear. The survey data revealed that more than a third of Canadians (36%) feel unsafe due to the persistent threat of vehicle theft and roughly two-thirds say that the lasting emotional distress and sense of violation (63%) are key lasting impacts. These impacts are matched by financial concerns. Nearly three-quarters of Canadians (72%) expect that the financial burden of replacement or repair would be a critical impact of vehicle theft, and the same amount expect increases to their insurance premiums. "Whether the cost is emotional or financial, Canadians simply cannot afford to face the ongoing crisis of vehicle theft," said Tara Laidman, Vice President, Home and Auto Insurance at Co-operators. "Disruptions and uncertainty in supply chains will only drive-up costs and replacement times, compounding an issue that has already sent shockwaves through communities. Vehicle owners are burnt out, and the onus is on the insurance industry, government and police to stay focused on our efforts to reduce the burden vehicle theft is placing on Canadians." "We're seeing a level of sophistication in vehicle theft that wasn't common even five years ago," said Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich, Peel Regional Police. "These aren't one-off incidents. They're coordinated, fast-moving and often linked to larger criminal operations. Awareness is key, but so is access — access to prevention tools, partnerships and consistent action across all sectors." Cost concerns fuel a technology gap Canadians across the country depend heavily on their vehicles. Nearly three-quarters of Canadians surveyed (73%) said losing access to their vehicle would prevent them from completing essential tasks. And while many Canadians are taking basic actions, such as always locking doors (88%) or never leaving a running vehicle unattended (75%), usage of more advanced, technology-based solutions is much lower. Close to a third of Canadians (29%) use an anti-theft alarm system, but only roughly one out of every 10 has used solutions like: a steering wheel lock (13%), window VIN etching (11%), a TAG anti-theft system (10%) or a faraday pouch (8%) While many Canadians cite cost as a barrier, awareness of the emotional reassurance and financial benefits – like reduced insurance premiums and greater peace of mind – remains low. "The cost of safety is running up against persistent high cost-of-living, forcing Canadians to make concessions," added Laidman. "As insurers, we have to do our part to help vehicle owners see that upfront investments in technology can reduce the emotional and financial burden of vehicle theft." In response, Co-operators is partnering with Tag Tracking and Speedy Glass to install TAG anti-theft devices at a one-day activation in Mississauga. The activation will be open to a limited number of pre-selected clients who have previously experienced vehicle theft. Co-operators' goal is that this initiative, supported by the survey findings, helps demonstrate the value of proactive protection and encourages broader awareness and adoption of technology-based solutions. "Vehicle theft doesn't just take your car — it takes your time, your security, and often thousands of dollars," said Freddy Marcantonio, Vice President of Tag Tracking. "With over three decades of expertise, Tag Tracking combines advanced theft prevention and recovery solutions with deep insights into the full spectrum of vehicle theft, addressing everything from organized crime tactics to tech-savvy methods, exportation schemes, and revinning practices." "Auto theft is a heinous crime that erodes the confidence and security of Ontarians," said Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform, Zee Hamid. "I welcome initiatives such as the Co-operators' partnership with Tag Tracking to promote advanced anti-theft technologies. Our government is committed to supporting collaborative efforts with police, insurers, and communities to curb this crisis, ensuring that everybody who lives in Ontario feels safe and protected from the emotional and financial toll of vehicle theft." Ontarians, Gen Z more likely to feel the burden The survey also revealed notable generational and regional differences that underscore the need for collaborative efforts to address vehicle theft across Canada: Nearly one quarter (22%) of Gen Z respondents say they often feel unsafe due to the threat of vehicle theft, compared to almost 1 in 10 (8%) Boomers. Gen Z is also more likely to admit they could be doing more to protect their vehicles but face significant barriers, particularly cost. Nearly half (46%) of Ontarians report personal or second-hand exposure to vehicle theft, the highest in the country. Ontarians are also the most likely to believe stronger preventative measures are needed nationwide. About the survey A total of 1,232 adult residents from across Canada were surveyed online between March 21 to 23, 2025. The sample was randomly drawn from Leger's web panel of potential survey respondents. A nationally representative sample was surveyed until at least 1,000 respondents were identified as vehicle owners with a valid driver's license. Post-stratification weights were then applied to the full sample based on 2021 census population figures to ensure representation by province, age, and gender. Finally, non-vehicle owners and those without a driver's license were removed, resulting in a final representative sample of 1,000 Canadian vehicle owners. An associated margin of error for a probability-based sample of this size would be ±3% 19 times out of 20. About Co‑operators Proudly Canadian since 1945, Co‑operators is a leading financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. With more than $72 billion in assets under administration, Co‑operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Currently a carbon neutral organization, Co-operators is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co‑operators is recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and ranked as one of Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. For more information, please visit:
