Co-op Bank’s commitment to Education extends beyond ensuring that parents and guardians have assistance with sending their loved ones to school. At Co-op Bank investing in education means providing avenues for students to innovate, finance, and dream big about their educational goals. Over the years, Co-op Bank has contributed to educational development through scholarships, awards, prizes, sponsorships of notable lecture series, the launching of local books, and inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit of young Grenadians.
Current and past community projects in Education include:
- Super Starter Education Investment Plan Scholarships and Star Points
- SGU Knowledge Bowl
- Junior Achievement
- Sir Archibald Nedd Memorial Lecture Series
- J.B. Renwick/Arnold Williamson Shareholders' Outreach Forum
Co-op Bank has been intertwined in the history and culture of Grenada since its inception. How else to contribute to the preservation of the island’s culture than through investing in the performing arts and other cultural activities within communities? Over the years, Co-op Bank has supported national festivals and many theatre productions. Previous sponsorships of cultural activities include:
- The musical production “Ay Ya Yai Ivan” and other theatre productions
- Co-op Bank String Band Competition
- Carriacou Parang Festival
- The annual Grenada Drum Festival
- The Caribbean Night of the Pure Grenada Music Festival
- Carriacou Maroon Festival
- Petite Martinique Regatta Festival
What is life without health? Recognizing this, Co-op Bank introduced a Healthier Lifestyles Programme in 2008 to take a proactive approach to healthy lifestyles, and to make vital information available to the public.
The main feature of the Healthier Lifestyles Programme is the annually held Pump It Up! Family Fun Walk, which has illustrated the Bank’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles for Grenadians. The campaign commenced during a period when Grenada’s health profile classified diabetes and hypertension as lifestyle diseases.
In an effort to encourage the population to live vibrant and physically active lives, the 3½-mile walk has the main objective of promoting exercise through a fun activity. The annual family fun walk brings together families, businesses, and participants island-wide to bring awareness to the importance of active living.
Over the years, the proceeds generated from Pump It Up! Family Fun Walk have aided the programmes of many health-focused, local organizations including:
- 2009 Grenada Heart Foundation
- 2010 Grenada Diabetes Association
- 2011 Grenada Kidney Foundation
- 2012 Sickle Cell Association of Grenada
- 2013 Grenada Cancer Society
- 2014 Pink Ribbon Society
- 2015 Lupus Foundation of Grenada
- 2016 Carlton Home Rehabilitation Centre
In 2017, Co-op Bank announced that proceeds from Pump It Up! Family Fun Walk would aid in one major sustainable initiative and decided to raise funds toward the re-establishment of the Carlton Home Rehabilitation Centre for substance abusers.
The Bank set a fundraising goal of $500,000 by 2021. To achieve such a tremendous feat, the Bank formed a Trust in 2017 with Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd, FLOW, and Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Limited - the initial corporate citizens - to pool resources for this initiative, making Pump it Up! Family Fun Walk an anticipated signature event every year.
Environment: The Bank places great emphasis on preserving and protecting our environment. Co-op Bank was the recipient of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s (ECCB) Good Corporate Citizen Award for Environmental Awareness for three (3) consecutive years, 2001, 2002, and 2003, for its noteworthy contribution to environmental awareness. Over the years, contributions to environmental preservation have allowed the refurbishing and restoration of landmarks, bus shelters, and the maintenance of roundabouts across the island.
Past community projects include:
- Disaster Relief Support throughout the Caribbean region
- Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority’s annual anti-litter awareness campaign
- Prepare to Survive hurricane preparedness radio programme
Sports: Sporting events are a key part of our local communities. The Bank’s involvement in the area of sports development currently includes:
- Co-op Bank Carriacou T20 Cricket Tournament
- Co-op Bank Primary Schools' Games (Carriacou & Petite Martinique, St. Andrew, St. David, St. John, St. Mark, St. Patrick)
- Co-op Bank National Primary Schools' Games
- Co-title sponsor of the Grenada National Workboat Regatta in 2004