Lakeland Co-op gives back over $1.5M to members

On Friday, Lakeland Co-op held their annual Member Appreciation BBQ, inviting residents to enjoy a free burger or hot dog.

It’s also the chance for members to collect their equity cheques. As Board Chair Amber Hughes says, there are over 8,000 members in Bonnyville and Cold Lake.

This year, the total give back to members is $1,555,476.00.

“We’re really proud of that. That number is substantial. It’s now over 10 million in seven years that this Co Op has given back to our local members,” said Hughes.

“We are independently owned by our members, and it’s a $10 lifetime membership to become a member, and then you participate in the equity. So every year we have our profit sharing, and we give back and equity payments.”

This includes:

• 4¢/litre on Fuel
• 3% on Agro
• 3% on Home Centre
• 3.5% on Oil and Tanks
• 3.5% on Propane
• 3% on Chemical and Fertilizer
• 3% on Food and Convenience

Cheques can be picked at the Agro Centre and will also be mailed out.

Employees also well surprised their volunteer hour goal, putting in 875 hours of community service back into the region.

“We’re not just here as service providers and selling product as a Co-op brand, but also being in the community, giving back significant dollars, a ton of time in the community, and that’s just part of the Co-op brand,” she said. “We are in this community. We’re part of this community.”

If you aren’t a member, you can sign-up online or at a Co-op location.

WATCH: JP, General Manager, and Amber Hughes, Board Chair.