For Immediate Release

Calgary Co-op 14th Annual Charity Golf Classic Raises Funds for Childrens' Charities

June 14, 2007, Calgary, Alberta - Calgary Co-op hosted its 14th annual charity golf classic on June 13th to raise funds for charities in the community. In total, over $300,000 will go to support the following charities:

  • $30,000 to the Calgary Public Library for the Calgary Co-op Summer Reading Program for children.
  • $25,000 to Calgary EMS Foundation for Project Smile. This program enables paramedics to provide a stuffed Medic Moose toy to children to help ease their fears and make treatment easier for paramedics.
  • $20,000 to the Children's Cottage Society for the food program for their crisis centre and nursery.
  • $125,000 to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation for its "Bring in the Clowns" therapeutic program, sponsored exclusively by Calgary Co-op. The clowns provide entertainment for children and their families during their stay in hospital.
  • $30,000 to the Boys and Girls Club Community Services for its "Food and Nutrition in Schools" program. This program provides nutritious meals to over 40,000 school children each year whom otherwise would go without breakfast or lunch.
  • $25,000 to the Ronald McDonald Foundation for its first annual Rock the House walk, run and roll for the Ronald McDonald House. Calgary Co-op is the presenting sponsor of this first-time event.

Funds are also being provided to Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Enviros Wilderness School. Any funds raised over the commitments noted above will be provided to other charities in the community.

"Since the tournament began 14 years ago, we have raised over $2.4 million for local charities, thanks to the generous and caring support of area business partners and suppliers who participate in our annual golf tournament each year", says Donna Burn, vice president of member and public relations for Calgary Co-op.

Locally owned and operated, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America with over 413,000 members, 4,000 employees, $314 million in assets and sales of $884 million in 2006. Calgary Co-op operates 22 retail food centres, 26 gas bars, 15 liquor stores and 11 travel offices in the communities of Calgary, Airdrie, Strathmore and Okotoks, Alberta.

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For more information, contact:
Donna Burn, Vice President, Member and Public Relations
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
Telephone: (403) 219-6025, ext. 6258