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 to 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 13th – 19th, 2024!
Fun Fact: Co-op Week also coincides with International Credit Union Day, which is being celebrated on October 17th this year!
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada also has events and activities for this year’s Co-op Week shared on their website.
Co-op Week is celebrated each year to raise public awareness of the contribution the co-operative business sector makes to our province.
For over 75 years, the Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Co-operatives has been supporting the co-operatives and credit unions of our province, representing over 100,000 members! This Co-op Week, we assert that “CO-OP’S MEAN BUSINESS!”
Co-operatives play a vital role in building strong communities, offering essential goods and services, fostering economic growth, providing employment opportunities, and promoting social responsibility. Co-operative businesses are ensuring a sustainable future for our province!
Declare Co-op Week this Year in your Community!
A template for the Co-op Week Proclamation is now available to download. Members can use this form to send to their municipalities to declare Co-op Week in your own community.
Overview of Co-op Week 2024 Events & Activities
To view the events in a Calendar format, click on ‘View Calendar’ on the bottom. Scroll below for more details and registration information.
Schedule of Events & Activities
Work Experience in Social Enterprise (WESE) Information Session
Date: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
Time: 11am-11:30am NDT
Location: Virtual
Learn about the Work Experience in Social Enterprise (WESE) program offered by MUN’s Centre for Social Enterprise! This program provides opportunities for students to discover social enterprise through work placements, and community organizations are provided with wage subsidies to hire students. Hear about the NLFC’s experience with this great program, and from former students as well!
This session is taking place virtually on Tuesday, October 15th from 11am-11:30am NDT. Register now to secure your spot!
How to Market the Co-op Advantage?
Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Time: 12pm – 1pm NDT
Location: Virtual
Join us for a Co-op Week marketing session for members!
Member Co-ops across the province deserve more attention and engagement from your customers and clients! But how can we better connect to the many co-op advantages you offer?
Join owner and Brand Manager of Dc, Don-E Coady, who will lead a lively discussion about what we can all do to brand better, together!
This session is taking place virtually on Wednesday, October 16th from 12pm-1pm NDT. Click on the button below to register!
Member Meet & Greet
Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Time: 4pm – 6pm NDT
Location: Quidi Vidi Brewery (35 Barrows Rd., St. John’s)
To celebrate Co-op Week 2024, we’re hosting a member meet & greet at the Quidi Vidi Brewery!
Join us to connect and network with co-op members and those interested in supporting the co-operative sector. Let’s hang out and celebrate the spirit of co-operation!
Light refreshments will be served.
Econocoop Information Session
Date: Thursday, October 17th
Time: 6pm
Location: 245 Freshwater Rd., St. John’s
Econocoop is a cooperative that was developed to help the early childcare sector. By using the power of national volume, we are able to help with the financial negotiations with major suppliers for the sector nationally.
Come and learn about our partners, suppliers and services we offer to the early childcare sector.
Cooperatively, we are strengthening the sector and helping service providers focus on developing the next generation.
PARO – Prosper Project Information Session
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am NDT
Location: Virtual
Unlock the potential of your entrepreneurial journey with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise! In this virtual session, discover how PARO’s Prosper Circles can elevate your business through meaningful connections and support.
PARO Prosper Circles help women connect and network with other enterprising women. Peer Circles are small groups of like-minded women who meet regularly to share their experiences, offer advice to each other, and share networking contacts. By joining or starting a Circle, you may be eligible for small business grants and loans through PARO Prosper Peer Lending Circle Program.
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise is one of Canada’s most successful business support and networking organizations. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, PARO helps women entrepreneurs at all stages of business start, grow, and scale-up their business.
Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and business in a supportive community!
Member Events & Activities
Baie Verte Consumers Co-op – NL Co-operative History Tour
Date: October 13th – 19th
Location: Baie Verte Consumers Co-op, Baie Verte
The Baie Verte Consumers Co-op is hosting the NL Co-operative History Tour as part of their Co-op Week events and to celebrate the co-op’s 50th anniversary!
The NL Co-operative History Tour is a travelling timeline, where co-ops can display co-operative historical resources. These resources include 8 QR code standees, 3 large standing posters, 2 banner bugs, a photo album, and more! You will also receive a promotional kit for both in-person and online advertising.
This initiative not only celebrates the history of co-operatives, but also inspires future generations to embrace the values of co-operation.
Is your co-op interested in hosting the NL Co-operative History Tour? Fill out the application below.
Expertise Hub Co-op Grand Opening
Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Time: 11:00am – 12pm NDT
Location: Live on NLFC’s Facebook page
The NLFC invites our members and community partners to join us in celebrating the grand opening of Expertise Hub Co-op! As a Canadian cooperative, the Expertise Hub Co-op is dedicated to support the integration of immigrant professionals into the Canadian job market by bridging the education and experience gaps essential for success in the Canadian work environment.
We invite those who are passionate about the future of the immigrant workforce, interested in becoming a member, or simply want to learn more about our mission!
Join us on Wednesday, October 16th from 11am to 12pm NDT to watch the event be livestreamed on NLFC’s Facebook page.
Killick Coast North Seniors Co-op presents Co-opoly Games Night!
Date: Thursday, October 17
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Silver Threads Building, Pouch Cove
Join the Killick Coast North Seniors Co-operative for a games night! Play Co-opoly, a game of skill and solidarity, where everyone wins – or everyone loses!
This event will be held at the Silver Threads Building, 699 Main Rd., Pouch Cove on October 17th, 7-9pm. This event is free and open to all!
To secure your Co-opoly spot, please register by emailing secretary@kcnseniors.coop or by phoning 709-330-0555.
Two Co-opoly boards are available, for 12 people to play. Other games will also be available to choose from.
Killick Ecovillage Co-op - Principles in Action
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 3pm – 7pm
Location: 39 Farm Road, Portugal Cove-St. Phillips
Join the Killick Ecovillage Co-op for a special opportunity to see a co-operative’s principles in action. You’ll learn how an ecovillage housing co-op works and how their principles of co-operation are embedded in their vision for sustainable living!
Come dressed for the weather and for impressing the honeybees and chickens! We’ll be offering three different stations for physical participation surrounding the process of composting! Each station will give you an activity and a conversation that links to the co-operative’s principles.
♻️You can bring with you items for composting including Thanksgiving scraps and leftovers, mystery freezer foods, or Beech nuts!
👉 You’re invited to attend from 3pm – 7pm. Key times to join us are below.
- Compost Circle Tours: 3:30pm & 5:30pm
- Land Walk: 4:30pm
This event is open to everyone!
Photo Credit: Tara Barker