Co-op will improve even more places people meet, play, learn and share by giving up to $1.5 million to local organizations, up from $1 million last year.
Co-op Community Spaces was launched in 2015 to help protect, beautify and improve spaces in communities across Western Canada. In its inaugural year, the program funded 16 projects in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“From creek rehabilitation to gardens to play spaces for toddlers, the projects selected for funding last year showcased the innovation and dedication of local community groups” said Bruce Thurston, General Manager of Yorkton Co-op. “Because I know our communities in the Parkland area have their own unique ideas for spaces that could be built or improved, I would encourage our local community groups to consider applying”.
To qualify, organizations must be a registered non-profit, registered charity or community service co-operative. Administered by Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) on behalf of the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS), Co-op Community Spaces will provide donations between $25,000 and $100,000 to recipients. Because of the increased funding, the program will support up to 60 community projects in 2016.
Funding is available to projects in three categories
• Recreation: Enhancing recreation opportunities such as recreation centres and playgrounds.
• Environmental conservation: Preserving natural spaces such as green spaces, parks and interpretive centres.
• Urban Agriculture: Supporting small-scale agricultural initiatives in rural and urban spaces such as community gardens and food education facilities.
Applications for the 2016 Community Spaces program will be accepted from January 18 to February 12, 2016. For more details about this year’s program – and to see last year’s recipients at work – see www.communityspaces.ca.
About Yorkton Co-operative Association Limited:
Yorkton Co-op has been operating for more than 75 years and has grown to a $100 million business employing more than 210 people. Yorkton Co-operative Association Limited operates a food store and a gas bar/convenience store in Kamsack, a crop input agro centre in Ebenezer, a service centre and cardlock in Theodore, a cardlock in Rhein, a keylock in Dubuc, two gas bars/convenience stores/car washes, an agro centre and a food store in Yorkton.
