In addition to these activities organized by our health and wellness committee, most Co-op employees are active participants in the United Way of Addison County's payroll deduction giving program.
Co-op employee activities
Each year, Co-operative Insurance Companies' health and wellness committee organizes employee involvement in community causes. Here are the causes we're supporting in 2009:
Middlebury College Relay for Life
May 1-2, 2009
At right is part of the intrepid crew that walked through the night to raise money to fight cancer. This year, Co-op's team raised almost $6100 -- our best result ever! Thanks to everyone who helped by pledging or by supporting our fundraisers!
Addison County Humane Society
May-August 2009
We raised more than $1200 for our local no-kill animal shelter with a yard sale, pet photo pagaent, and pet treat bake sale. We also collected boxes of supplies and supported ACHS' efforts to win grants from other sources..
Vermont Children's Hospital
September-December 2009
We're currently raising funds with our Pounds of Pennies promotion, and we're collecting toys and games in the playhouse we've set up in our building.
In 2008, our staff participated in the following:
Supporting Addison County food shelves
In Feb, proceeds from our Super Bowl party bought 1300 pounds of food for three local food shelves.
In May, we raised $150 for the Vermont Food Bank with a booth in our neighborhood's first community yard sale.
In June, we collected donations for Bristol's Have A Heart Food Shelf with dress-down days and a cookout.
Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival
August 3, 2008
Twenty-one employees and friends braved torrential rain to race twice; won a spirit prize for our fab tiki-themed tent; and donated almost $1900 to the breast cancer survivors of Dragonheart Vermont and FAHC's Cancer Patient Support Program.
Porter Nursing Home Angels
November-December 2008
Co-op employees helped provide presents to residents of this nursing home in Middlebury, VT, and enjoyed a lovely holiday party with them with carols and a reading of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas by our own Kevin Bourdon.
In 2007, our staff participated in the following:
Middlebury College Relay for Life
April 20-21
This overnight relay raises money for the American Cancer Society. Co-op's team walked through the night to raise more than $5,000.
Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival
August 5
The 2007 festival -- our first -- raised funds for VNA's Hospice of the Champlain Valley and Vermont Respite House. We didn't win any races, but we had fun trying!
Addison County Habitat for Humanity
June through November
Groups of Co-op employees volunteered with the Habitat group on its Bristol build. We helped out with mailings and behind-the scenes work. During our Nov. 3 onsite work shift, a dozen employees and friends installed flashing, framed walls, insulated, hung drywall and doors, and cleared out three loads of lumber.