Melfort, SK (October 16, 2024) — At Prairie North Co-op, we are a different kind of business and one of the things that sets us apart from other businesses is our commitment to giving back to the communities that we serve. “We recognize that the success of our co-operative and health of our communities are mutually dependent,” explains Terry Tremblay, General Manager, "that was one of the reasons behind the creation of our Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF). Since its inception in 2021, we have supported 12 community development projects – three in Kelvington, three in Melfort, two in Naicam, two in Archerwill, one in St. Brieux, and one in Star City – committing $75,000 to date".

Today we are proud to announce the successful applicants to the 2024 Prairie North Co-op Sustainable Communities Fund. Congratulations to:
• Kelvington Trailblazers – funds for renovations/improvements to the Round Lake shelter
• Reynolds Central School Playground Committee – funds for the addition of inclusive play structure equipment
• Spalding School of Dance – funds for the relocation of the school to Naicam, installation of mirrors
• St. Brieux Senior Citizens Club – funds for hall improvements

The Prairie North Co-op Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF) is an allocation of funds to non-profit organizations that support community development. The purpose of the SCF is to provide support to capital projects and new programs that will enhance the quality of life for the people in the communities and surrounding region that make up the Prairie North Co-op trading area – Archerwill, Brooksby, Kelvington, Melfort, Naicam, Spalding, and St. Brieux.

Applications for project funding open September 1st and close September 30th. Upon closing, a SCF selection committee is formed to review the applications and choose which projects will receive funding. Successful applications are announced in October during Co-op Week.

Funding is to be used to support the development of our communities while reflecting our co-operative values through:
1. Capital projects - build, expand, and/or improve facilities; or
2. New programs - develop and implement new programs that support the people in our communities

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Terri Larsen, Marketing and Communications Manager
Prairie North Co-op
C: 306.527.4792 | E: Terri.larsen@prairienorth.crs
W: www.prairienorthco-op.crs

ABOUT PRAIRIE NORTH CO-OP

Prairie North Co-op operates out of 25 locations – from St. Brieux, Spalding and Naicam in the west; to Melfort and Brooksby in the north; and Archerwill and Kelvington in the east. We serve our members with products and services that help build, feed, fuel and grow the communities in which we live and do business. As a co-operative, we are a different kind of business; we are not only working for our communities, but we are also owned by our community. Co-ops embed sustainability in their business by planning and investing for the long term, with the community and environment in mind; they work to create jobs; and they partner with other organizations and local businesses. Prairie North Co-op profits do not leave the community, they go back into it – and back to our members. We take pride in our community involvement and our commitment to providing quality products and services.

Prairie North Co-op employs 320 and serves 13,426 members. We continue the tradition of giving back, not only in patronage refunds to our members, but also through financial support to several local organizations. In 2023, sponsorship and donations totalled $153,000 to over 200 different organizations in our trading area. Locally invested. Community-minded. Lifetime membership benefits. We are Co-op.