Heading into 2026: Make Co-ops Part of Your Everyday Life

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are thinking about gifts, gatherings, and ways to make the season meaningful. It’s also the perfect time to reflect on how we spend our money—not just during the holidays, but all year long. One simple yet powerful choice you can make is to shop co-op.

Co-operatives aren’t just businesses; they’re community-driven organizations that put people before profit. When you support a co-op, you’re investing in your neighbours, strengthening local economies, and contributing to a more sustainable future. From grocery stores and credit unions to housing co-ops and renewable energy providers, co-operatives offer products and services that meet your everyday needs.

Why Start Now?

The holidays are a great reminder to look for co-op options when buying gifts, food, or services. But don’t stop there—make it a personal goal for 2026 to:

·      Visit or tour a local co-op in your community.

·      Switch to co-op services where possible (banking, insurance, energy).

·      Spread the word about the benefits of co-operatives to friends and family.

The Ripple Effect

Your choice to shop co-op doesn’t just impact you—it strengthens the entire Ontario co-operative sector. Every dollar spent at a co-op helps create jobs, keeps profits local, and supports democratic decision-making. It’s a small action with a big impact.

Ready to Begin? Here’s Where to Start

Start by searching for co-operatives in your area. You might be surprised at the variety of options available! Finding co-operatives near you is easier than you think - check out these FREE resources:

1.     Ontario Co-operative Association’s Member Directory - Browse co-ops across sectors in Ontario.

2.     Active Co-operatives in Ontario (Government Data Catalogue) - Search for registered co-operatives by name, type, and location.

3.     Co-operation Across Canada Directory - Find co-ops, credit unions, and mutuals nationwide with advanced filters.  

4.     Co-ops4Co-ops Directory – Your go-to tool for working with Canadian cooperative service providers.

5.     Choose Co-operative - Browse a comprehensive list of co-operatives in diverse sectors across Canada that you can support.

Make this holiday season—and the year ahead—about more than just shopping. Make it about building stronger communities, one co-operative at a time.

Submitted by Audrey Aczel, Communications Manager, OCA