Lakeland Co-op: Giving Back & Doing Good in Our Communities
December 7, 2018

Are you the type of person that puts your money where your heart is?

Do you care about supporting local businesses and our local communities? If so, then Lakeland Co-op is your place to shop!

Read on to learn about some of the ways that Lakeland Co-op and Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) are supporting our local community here and communities across western Canada.

Lakeland Co-op: Member Owned

Lakeland Co-op serves over 5,000 members providing products and services that our local community needs. But we do business a little differently than your average store.

At Lakeland Co-op, we're owned by our members. So, our business model focuses on sustainability over the long-term.

Plus, our profits remain local members profits. Period. In fact, over the past five years alone, Co-ops have returned nearly $1.4 billion to members!

How do we determine the percentage each member gets back? Based on their percentage of purchases throughout the year. Members receive these returns in two ways: as annual cash payments and as equity ownership in their local co-op.

Keeping Our Focus Local

Co-op's business model means that instead of dollars leaving the community, our profits get reinvested in our members and the communities where we operate. This creates a sustainable model for a healthy community.

Everything we do represents a local investment, in people and in the environment. This extends to the community-based initiatives that we back.

In fact, we focus a lot on ways to support the efforts of local non-profits. That way, when our communities need it most, help is ready and waiting. Let's take a look at how Co-op has partnered with local charities for a better Canada.

Co-op's "Give Card" Campaign

Co-ops across the country give back by donating to a variety of local non-profit organizations. These non-profits support Canadian communities when the unthinkable strikes.

For example, Co-op is supporting the Canadian Red Cross this winter with its massive "Give Card" Campaign!

From November 6th through December 28th, your purchases will go further at Co-op. When you buy specially-marked gift cards, $1 from each sale will go directly to the Canadian Red Cross.

As events such as the 2016 Fort McMurray fire demonstrate, disasters happen without warning. The Canadian Red Cross works quickly and effectively to restore lives. When natural disasters devastate local communities, the Canadian Red Cross is among the first on the scene helping communities to respond and recover.

Co-op remains proud to support their heroic efforts for our communities.

Co-op & the Canadian Red Cross

Co-op's "Give Card" Campaign remains but one effort in a renewed five-year commitment by Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) to pay it forward to Canadian communities.

In fact, Co-op's commitment to the Red Cross started in 2013. Over the course of the first five years, it yielded one million dollars to the Red Cross.

According to President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross, Conrad Sauvé, "Co-op donations ensure communities across Western Canada remain better prepared for emergencies."

Award-Winning Community Service

These funds provide necessary services, supplies, and infrastructure when Canadians need them most.

Because of FCL's outstanding history of support to the Red Cross, they received a 2018 Partner in Humanity citation. This award honours those making a difference on national and international levels.

It attests to FCL's commitment to volunteerism and supporting communities across Canada.

Co-op & the SJHL Assistance Program

Besides the Canadian Red Cross, Co-op has contributed to a variety of community-based causes. Co-op provides money, other resources, and a cooperative network of volunteers (both employees and members) to assist when needed most.

For example, following the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash, Co-op sought ways to aid the community. They contributed to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Assistance Program.

This program was created to help families, players, and coaches dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy.

Co-op has raised more than $768,000 in support of the SJHL Assistance Program. As a result, the program will continue working to support healthy communities.

Co-op's Drink Pink Campaign

Co-op also completed its Drink Pink campaign during the month of October. With every cup of coffee sold, five cents was donated to help in the fight against breast cancer.

Since 2010, Co-op has raised $580,000 with the Drink Pink campaign. The proceeds from the Drink Pink campaign go directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) for research and education.

This is just one of many ways that Co-op is working to ensure a healthier future for western Canada. To learn more about this ongoing effort or to join the conversation, check out #CoopDrinkPink.

Reinvesting in You

Lakeland Co-op remains community-focused and locally-invested. When you do business with Lakeland Co-op, you reinvest in the Lakeland community and economy.

You can guarantee that your community grows and benefits just by simply making your daily gas or home purchases with Lakeland Co-op. You ensure more jobs stay in your area because we won't close up shop and move overseas. You secure better prospects for everyone at the local level.

For nearly a century, Co-op has helped feed, build, and fuel Western Canada. Our resolve to watch the communities we serve flourish has grown over the decades, and we remain committed to a happier, healthier western Canada.

All of our efforts start with a sustainable business model. They continue through job creation and partnering with local businesses and non-profit organizations. Most importantly, our profits never leave your area. They get reinvested in the Lakeland community.

Interested in finding out more about becoming a Co-op member? Check out our Co-op Membership Benefits page. You'll learn more about becoming a shareholder and part-owner in our community-based business.

Help Us Make a Difference

Ready to learn more about our organization? Or, how you can make a difference in the Lakeland community by supporting our local co-operatives?

We'd love to answer your questions and introduce you to other ways Lakeland Co-op supports our communities. Contact us today or stop by customer service at the Home Centre or Agro Centre in Bonnyville.

Check out our local blog for handy tips and product ratings to help you stay warm, healthy, and happy this winter. From the best-rated snowblowers to home and building solutions, we've got you covered.


Discover more: