Yesterday, June 16th (2026), Co-operators Insurance of Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) was out and about giving back to the community.
First stop on the agenda was at the Southampton Arts Centre with a $1,000 donation in support of the ’50 Little Masterpieces’ to be held in August at the Southampton Art Gallery.
Fifty ticket-holders will be able to choose one of 50 original 10” x 10” paintings – no competition or bidding as the order of selection is by a draw. There will be light refreshments in addition to a silent auction of other items. The Gala on August 1st, begins at 7:00 p.m. with the art selection 8 p.m., silent auction ends 8:30 p.m.
“We are a community company that supports community-driven organizations,” says Stacey Catalano of Co-operators. “We know that Southampton Arts is unique in our community and the programs it offers for kids and adults is amazing. Co-operators is also so fortunate in that, corporately, we have the Advisory Community Fund that helps our individual agencies give back to our communities.”
The second donation was at the Co-operators office in Port Elgin. Tracy Murray, Executive Director of Saugeen Shores Hospital Foundation stopped by to receive a donation of $5,000 in support of the upcoming Gran Fondo.
“It always amazes me each year, how the community comes together in support of our local hospital,” says Murray. It’s people and companies like the Co-operators who make such a difference in keeping quality health care close to home in our community.”
The Gran Fondo is not only a fun day for cyclists of all levels and ages, it is also a major fundraiser for the local hospital and its equipment needs, which the government does not fund. Last year’s event, with some 900 cyclists, raised more than $430,000 and Murray hopes to hit that $500,000 mark on August 15th this year.
