The purpose of Co-op Week is to both reflect on the contributions the co-operative sector has made to the lives of Canadians and celebrate the impact that co-operatives have in our communities.
National Co-op Week has been proclaimed across Canada every October since 1982. This year, Co-op Week is from October 15 – 21, 2023!
Fun Fact: Co-op Week also coincides with Small Business Week, as well as International Credit Union Day falls (ICU Day is always the third Thursday of October)!
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada also has events and activities for this year’s Co-op Week shared on their website.
For 75 years, the Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Co-operatives has been supporting the co-operatives of our province representing over 100,000 members! This Co-op Week, we assert that “CO-OP’S MEAN BUSINESS!”
While driven by social benefits like quality of life for members and their shared communities, economic goals of profitability and providing jobs are equally prioritized. Co-operative businesses are ensuring a future for our province!
Check out the events, activities, and sponsors for this year’s celebration below!
Thank You to our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor: Community Business Development Corporations
Partner Sponsors: Co-operators, Baie Verte Consumers Co-operative, Atlantic Edge Credit Union, and Community Sector Council NL
Schedule of Events and Activities
Bell Island Co-op Rolling Pin Bakery Co-op Week Cookie
Date: October 15 – 21 (Until Sold Out!)
Location: Compressor Hill, A0A 4H0, Wabana Bell Island
Together with our friend and Member, the Bell Island Community Development Co-operative we have created the Co-op Week Cookie! The Rolling Pin Bakery is the only bakery on Bell Island and sells all sorts of fresh baked goods from squares, cookies, cakes, to rolls and breads. The bakery is part of Bell Island Community Development Cooperative which has existed on Bell Island since the mid 1980’s.
This delicious treat was inspired by Co-op Week. Chocolate, pretzels, caramel, and more delicious treats come together in this cookie cooperating to create a mouth-watering delight! Because it takes “all kinds” to makes something special, just like a co-op! Get your free cookie all this week when you visit The Rolling Pin Bakery on Bell Island!
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Learning Session
Date: Tuesday, October 17
Time: 12PM – 1PM
Location: Virtual
In this learning session, we are joined by Litzy Baeza (Women’s Economic Council) and Roxana Fazli (Collective Interchange) to discuss the topic of inclusive Mentorship & Sponsorship practices.
Having inclusive mentorship and sponsorship strategies can be a powerful tool for advancing inclusive practices for promoting equity-deserving groups on your boards and leadership positions. Whether you are a co-operative, non-profit, or any other business model, this workshop will give you a unique framework with real examples of how you can introduce or improve your approaches to mentorship and sponsorship!
What will happen during this workshop? We will start with introductions, including to the 50:30 Challenge and the What Works Toolkit, then there will be three presentations on best practices surrounding Mentorship & Sponsorship, followed by a Group Reflection and Question/Answer Period.
What is a Co-op? Info Session with the NLFC
Date: Tuesday, October 17
Time: 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Location: St. John’s Farmer’s Market, 245 Freshwater Rd, St. John’s
The NLFC’s Project Specialist, Kristen Murray, will take you through an introduction to understanding what a co-operative is in this info session!
You’ll learn:
- What the definition of a co-operative really means
- What the co-operative values and principles are
- What the different types of co-operatives are
- What makes co-operatives unique from other models
- What the co-operative sector looks like
- And more!
Co-operators Info Session
Date: Wednesday, October 18
Time: 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Location: Virtual
Join us for a refresher, or an introduction to Co-operators, their services, and their dedication to supporting other co-operatives!
We’ll be joined by Trina Noseworthy, Financial Advisor with Co-operators, who works from the Co-operators Office in St. John’s at 460 Torbay Road. Trina started with Co-operators in September 2013, following a career as a Junior High Math Teacher. Her insurance specialty is in helping her clients with their personal insurance and financial needs (life insurance, disability, critical illness, and investments). Trina cares deeply about building relationships with her clients and showing them how they can take advantage of our holistic product offerings.
Indigenous Cultural Diversity Training with First Light
Date: Wednesday, October 18
Time: 1:30PM – 4:30PM
Location: Virtual
Please note this session is $55.00/participant – OR – $27.50 for NLFC Members. Free to register, however, NLFC will follow up with participants afterwards for billing. This session also has limited spots available (25), so register before it fills up!
As part of Co-op Week, and the NL Federation of Co-ops’ ongoing dedication to Truth and Reconciliation, we offer in partnership with First Light NL, a 3 hour in-depth introduction to the Indigenous groups and history of our province.
The NLFC is encouraging anyone, especially in the co-op sector, who is interested in gaining an understanding of Indigenous cultures in the province. Perfect for boards, and staff members alike and a wonderful step for co-ops toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Co-operative Housing Forum with CHANAL
Date: Wednesday, October 18
Time: 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Location: St. Peter’s, 110 Ashford Dr, Mount Pearl
We are thrilled to host this event with the Co-operative Housing Association of Newfoundland & Labrador (CHANAL) to bring together members of housing co-operatives and anyone interested in learning more about the housing co-operative model and experience.
This event will include an information session and a meet & greet. First, greetings from the NLFC, followed by a presentation by Rosalind Langer with CHANAL, including an open question and answer period, and afterwards time to socialize and enjoy light refreshments.
We hope you will join us, all interested are welcome!
Fogo Process Film Screening with Fogo Island Co-op Society
Date: Friday, October 20
Time: 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Location: St. John’s Farmer’s Market, 245 Freshwater Rd, St. John’s
Join us in viewing some of the National Film Board’s Fogo Process films that discuss the Fogo Island Co-op Society‘s formation and reflect with their Purchasing & Special Projects Manager, Karen Decker.
“Filmmaker Colin Low, community worker Fred Earle, and head of Memorial University’s Extension Service Donald Snowden worked from a shared vision. Colin Low made 27 short films documenting life on Fogo Island, and subsequently screened his films for the Island’s residents… The collaborative spirit engendered by The Fogo Process films and by the newly formed Fogo Island Improvement Committee eventually lead to the formation of the Fogo Island fishing Co-op. The Co-op, owned by local fishers and plant workers, spearheaded the adaptation to the midshore fishery and continues to exist as a mainstay of the economy to this day.” – https://fogoislandinn.ca/our-island/the-fogo-process/
Yoga Kula Co-op Drop-In Class
Date: Saturday, October 21
Time: 9:30AM – 10:30AM
Location: Coakers Meadow Plaza, 286 Torbay Road, St. John’s
Our friends at Yoga Kula Co-op are celebrating Co-op Week with a free drop-in class! Try it out for the first time or pick up an extra class, all skill levels welcome!
Yoga Kula Co-op is a dedicated community for independent yoga, meditation and wellness instructors and their students. It is a beautiful shared rental space for local wellness professionals to affordably run their businesses and come together to support each other. Their goal is to offer classes that will strengthen your body, stimulate your mind and nourish your soul. As a registered not-for-profit co-operative, their organizational structure reflects their commitment to building community from the grassroots up, engaging members as fully participating owners in their dynamic yoga community centre.