Ucluelet, B.C. - Ucluelet Co-op and Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) are pleased to announce a joint donation of $300,000 to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre in Tofino, British Columbia. Ucluelet Co-op and FCL will each contribute $150,000 to this groundbreaking and innovative community project that will see the establishment of the Co-op Community Teaching Kitchen within the Centre.
“We are excited to further our support of our local community and region through this gift to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere,” said Mike Bruch, General Manager of Ucluelet Co-op. “The Co-op Community Kitchen will be a tremendous community space where our friends and neighbours can come together, learn and grow.”
“This is a unique opportunity for Co-op to support a special project in a diverse region of Western Canada,” said Heather Ryan, CEO, Federated Co-operatives Limited. “This project represents an important commitment to indigenous peoples in the region and recognizes our continued and steadfast support of truth and reconciliation.”
The Co-op Community Teaching Kitchen will facilitate the sharing of traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices with younger generations, and empower community members with newfound culinary and nutritional skills.
“Thank you to FCL and the Ucluelet Co-op for your generous donation to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Community Teaching Kitchen, which will serve as a vital hub for food security, preservation, and culinary training,” said Rebecca Hurwitz, Executive Director of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. “Your support strengthens our mission to foster sustainable food systems, promote biodiversity, and empower our community to create lasting change around food sovereignty and climate resilience.
Centrally located in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, the Centre will play a key role in sharing the global significance of the region and is part of a larger initiative to promote conversation and sustainable development, while embracing First Nations living philosophies.
