Co-ops Celebrate with Film, Fair

National Co-op Week is October 14-20, 2018

Co-operatives are a part of the rich fabric of life in the southeastern BC region, with tens of thousands of members and a huge economic impact. The Upper Columbia Co-op Council is joining with its 20 co-op and credit union members to celebrate National Co-op Week, October 14-20 with a Co-op Fair and a free film screening.

The new film A Silent Transformation documents the innovative self-help efforts of communities across the Province of Ontario, including everything from a skateboard co-operative to a tribal housing co-operative. The film screens Friday October 19 at 7pm at the Front Room, 601 Front St. in Nelson. Admission is by donation of a non-perishable food item to Nelson Food Cupboard. There will be a facilitated conversation after the film.

“This is a great opportunity to shine a light on the co-operative model,” said Zoë Creighton, Coordinator of the Upper Columbia Co-op Council. “We have over 40 cooperatives and credit unions in our region, with several exciting new co-ops emerging. The film and fair will help people realize the impacts that co-ops already have, and the incredible potential that co-ops offer for making our economic system more open and equitable.”

According to a recent study by the UCCC, the combined membership of co-ops and credit unions in the region is more than 90,000. They employ over 780 local people, and paid over $25 million in wages last year. Co-operatives are owned jointly by their members, who share in the profits and benefits.

The Kootenay Co-op will host a co-operative fair on October 19 from 3pm to 5pm prior to the film screening. Local Credit Unions and co-operatives will share their services with the public and celebrate the spirit of Co-operation with free snacks, hot cocoa and tea, and prizes. National Credit Union Day is October 18th- stop in to your local Credit Union to celebrate the impact they’ve had on our communities. Kootenay Carshare Co-operative will waive its $25 orientation fee for people who sign up during co-op week.