The Lloydminster and District Co-operative like many others in the co-operative world is celebrating Co-operatives Week from Oct. 16-22.
Co-operatives Week has been observed every year in Canada since 1982. This year’s theme is “Co-operation in the World of Tomorrow”.
Kristine Knourek, director of marketing and community relations says the week recognizes the very unique nature of co-operatives and their business model. The Lloyd Co-op is in the midst of a campaign highlighting members by using the slogan, “Membership Matters More.”
“We are featuring unique Lloydminster and District Co-op members from across our association. So the appeal is to share the values and benefits of membership while highlighting some of the local faces that people may be familiar with from Lloydminster and area.”
The modern co-operative movement goes back to 1844 in England and its shared values include, democracy, economic participation, concern for the community and cooperation among others.
Some recent community contributions are the Fuel Good Day for school breakfast programs and the Squash Hunger drive for the Salvation Army.
Knourek says they are focussing the current campaign on the importance of being a member.
“The focus on “Membership Matters More” is highlighting and emphasizing why being a Co-op member matters. And why it’s different to be a member of Co-op versus just being a shopper. So we have heard people say,”Well I use my grandpa’s Co-op number. It’s just what I do. I don’t know why I need my own.””
Being a member of the Co-op allows someone, based on what they spend to earn equity as well as cash from the organization, adds Knourek.
More information can be found on the Co-op website and social media.