Co-op News and Updates

Co-op Week, Embracing the Future with Cooperation

Once again the Manitoba Cooperative Association is thrilled to be celebrating National Co-op Week from October 17 to 23, 2021. This year’s theme is “Embracing the Future with Cooperation”, what does that mean to you?

While normally we would gather to celebrate cooperative achievement in our province during co-op week, due to the ongoing pandemic and out of an abundance of caution, we decided to once again forego our annual in-person celebrations.

That being said, we have partnered with our friends at the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association to host an online, virtual scavenger hunt in celebration of Co-op Week! The #LocalCoopLove Scavenger Hunt gives you the opportunity to have fun and celebrate the contributions of co-ops to your communities! You can play on your own, or as part of a team. And, the best part is you do not need to be in the same geographic location as your teammates so you can play with your co-workers, your family, your neighbours, your friends – it is an opportunity to work together, wherever you may be, to complete the scavenger hunt missions. Register for the game on the free GooseChase App on your smartphone and during Co-op Week complete the missions with your teammates for your chance to win a prize. You can find out more details on how to join the fun here: https://sask.coop/events/localcooplove-scavenger-hunt

So, during Co-op Week, we hope you will join us in celebration and appreciation for all that cooperatives have accomplished. As we look to the future, we continue to explore how co-ops can help us build a better world. A cooperative economy is a strong and resilient economy that puts the needs of members at the centre of all they do. We look forward to continuing to work with you to create a united, growing and influential cooperative community in Manitoba.

Manitoba Co-op Profiles

Over the next several weeks, the MCA will be launching profiles of various co-ops working around Manitoba. Every Wednesday we will post a new profile and you can read about the incredible work that Manitoba co-ops are accomplishing. Check this space regularly to view this weeks profile and to see past profiles.

March 24, 2021 – “Diversification, Remaining Local and Giving Back to the Community” – a profile of Red River Co-operative

March 31, 2021 – “Lateral Networks – Rebuilding the Food System” – a profile of Fireweed Food Co-op

April 7, 2021 – “A Stay That Feels Like Home” – a profile of the Manitoba Bed & Breakfast Marketing Co-op Inc

April 14, 2021 – “Sewing With a Purpose – A Newcomer Co-op Model” – a profile of Hand in Glove Community Co-op Inc

April 21, 2021 – “What it Means to be a Worker Co-op” – a profile of Organic Planet Worker Co-op

April 28, 2021 – “A Truly Local Farmers’ Market” – a profile of Le Marché St Norbert Farmers’ Market

May 5, 2021 – “Providing for and Supporting the Communities of Southwestern Manitoba” – a profile of Westman Communications Group

May 12, 2021 – “Serving the Communities of Canada’s Remote North” – a profile of Arctic Co-operatives Limited

May 19, 2021 – “Providing Safe and Affordable Housing for Members” – a profile of Village Canadien Housing Co-operative

May 26, 2021 – “Providing a Safe, Reliable and Inclusive Carsharing Program” – a profile of Peg City Car Co-op Ltd

June 2, 2021 – “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” – a profile of Village Co-op of Care (In Development)

June 9, 2021 – “Engaging the Community in Cooperative Health and Wellness” – a profile of NorWest Co-op Community Health