Nov 3, 2025
Etobicoke, ON – November 3, 2025 – Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited (“Gay Lea Foods”) today announced it has received the PRISM Certified designation from Imagine Canada, recognizing the Canadian dairy co-operative’s commitment to charitable giving and community investment.
This is the first time Gay Lea Foods has received this designation. The recognition is based on the co-operative contributing more than one per cent of pre-tax earnings to Canadian community programs. These investments include cash, volunteer time, in-kind donations, and program support, which reflect Gay Lea Foods’ dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities across Canada and beyond.
“At Gay Lea Foods, our co-operative values are at the heart of everything we do – from how we care for our people and communities, to how we steward our planet and grow our business responsibly,” said Suzanna Dalrymple, President & CEO, Gay Lea Foods. “Being awarded the Imagine Canada Prism certification is a meaningful recognition of our commitment to purpose-driven leadership and social good. It’s a proud moment for our entire team and a reflection of what’s possible when we work together to build a better future for all.”
This commitment is reflected in a range of impactful initiatives that demonstrate how Gay Lea Foods brings its values to life through strategic partnerships and targeted community investments. Earlier this year, Gay Lea Foods announced a three-year, $1.2 million national partnership with Second Harvest to recover and redistribute surplus, nutritious food to communities in need, providing the equivalent of 3.6 million meals to Canadians facing food insecurity over the next 36 months.
Additionally, the Gay Lea Foundation announced over $1 million in Community Impact Grants this year to reflect the co-operative principle of “concern for community” and highlight the power of co-operation to address pressing issues in health, education, agriculture, poverty relief, and community well-being.
Imagine Canada is a national nonprofit organization that promotes corporate philanthropy and recognizes companies that demonstrate leadership in community engagement. Imagine Canada’s PRISM Certification is awarded to companies that donate at least one per cent of their pre-tax profits annually to charitable and non-profit causes.
Gay Lea Foods is honoured to join this network of socially responsible Canadian businesses and remains committed to deepening its impact in support of people, planet, and purpose.
ABOUT GAY LEA FOODS CO-OPERATIVE LTD.
Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian dairy co-operative renowned for producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products that Canadian families love and trust. From farm to table, our 1,200 farmer members in Ontario and Manitoba, and more than 1,200 employees across four provinces, work together to nourish communities through award-winning brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Bothwell Cheese, and more. As part of its deeply rooted, balanced commitment to people, profit, and planet, Gay Lea Foods proudly invests one percent of pre-tax earnings back into Canadian communities through a national food security partnership with Second Harvest, and the community-building efforts of the Gay Lea Foundation. To learn more, visit gaylea.com.
ABOUT THE IMAGINE CANADA PRISM NETWORK
Imagine Canada’s PRISM Community Impact Company Network helps leading Canadian companies further their community impact by providing resources and third-party validation of corporate support. By setting benchmarks and sharing best practices, we aim to strengthen business-nonprofit partnerships, catalyze Canadian philanthropy and volunteerism, and ensure resources flow more equitably to nonprofit organizations and communities.
Since 1988, Imagine Canada has awarded certification to companies that donate at least 1 per cent of pre-tax profits to the communities where their employees live and work. Beyond certification, the Imagine Canada PRISM Network offers custom assessments, specialized learning, and partnership support to help companies enhance and communicate their social impact and community investment strategies.
Learn more at imaginecanada.ca/prism and join the movement.
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Media Contact
Robin Redstone
Director, Communications
communications@gayleafoods.com
Nov 3, 2025
Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited (“Gay Lea Foods”) today announced it has received the PRISM Certified designation from Imagine Canada, recognizing the Canadian dairy co-operative’s commitment to...
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