NATIONAL CO-OP WEEK
Merit Awards recognize outstanding contributions
For 40 years, individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to co-operatives and credit unions have been recognized during Co-op Week at the annual Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards Banquet. This year is no exception as four more awards will be presented at the awards ceremony this evening (Oct. 15) at the Travelodge Hotel in Regina. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner and awards to follow an hour later.
“Saskatchewan co-ops and credit unions are strong supporters of Co-op Week and don’t hesitate to show their co-op pride,” said Victoria Morris, executive director of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. “We use the week to celebrate our unique business model, as well as the contributions of co-op members – and to proudly promote co-operatives.”
There are three awards being presented at this year’s ceremony: the Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award, the Co-operative Enterprise Awards, and the Co-operative Young Leader Award.
Morley Doerksen is the recipient of the Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual who has dedicated years of service to cooperatives or credit unions in either volunteer and/or elected positions. Doerksen is a driver of strategic change at Pineland Co-operative Association, where he has been president since 2013. He’s been a stakeholder in the development of Pineland’s board governance, performance management, and phenomenal growth.
Affinity Credit Union and Conexus Credit Union are both being recognized for Co-operative Enterprise Awards, which are dedicated to organizations that display leadership, innovation and achievement in co-operative business and member service initiatives for the social and economic development of the co-operative sector.
Affinity’s Restart Loan is helping break the cycle of predatory payday loans. The first of its kind in Saskatchewan, the program assists those who are struggling with debt or credit challenges, or who use expensive payday loans out of desperation. Its fees are significantly less than traditional payday loans.
Conexus created Cultivator as a space for Saskatchewan’s entrepreneurial community and the initiative assists founders to launch, grow and scale start-up companies locally. Cultivator is Canada’s first business incubator powered by a credit union.
The Co-operative Young Leader Award recognizes the outstanding contribution by a young person to co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan. Fran Moran’s commitment to co-operatives began in 2009 when he started working at The Co-operators. It was reinforced through volunteering for the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program (Co-op Camp). He is credited with inspiring and encouraging youth to be involved in their communities, to help them embrace co-operative values and principles, and to explore their independence.
Co-op Week has been proclaimed across Canada every October since 1982 and this year, it will take place during the week of October 13-19. “There will be numerous activities taking place throughout the province to show support and reflect on the contributions made by our local coops and credit unions,” said Morris.
In Regina, the events begin with a flag raising ceremony at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building today (Oct.15) from 11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. featuring the Honorable Gene Makowsky, representing the Saskatchewan Government.
Immediately following the flag raising ceremony, the Co-operative Council of Regina will be hosting its annual Co-op Week Lunch and Learn. This free event at the Travelodge will include a presentation on Treaty Education and Reconciliation Awareness by Aaron Tootoosis, bureau member of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
There will be a panel discussion on “the future of co-operation in co-op federations” in Saskatoon on Oct. 16 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Prairie Room at Diefenbaker Place on the University of Saskatchewan. This discussion will be followed by a keynote presentation by Melissa Hoover, founding executive director of the Democracy at Work Institute, on the future of co-operatives in North America.
International Credit Union Day will be celebrated on October 17 with events taking place at credit unions around the province.
Co-op Week is celebrated all over Saskatchewan. To see if your community is planning any special activities, please inquire with your local co-operative or credit union.