Canadian sex entrepreneurs named finalist in National Co-op Challenge
Toronto – Come As You Are – the world’s only co-op sex shop – has been named one of the finalists in The National Co-op Challenge, a national social media contest created by The Co-operators, with $200,000 in prize money at stake. Contest runs between September 18 and October 18 with competing cooperatives garnering votes for their video via Facebook and other social media platforms. Two finalists in each of four regions will take home $25,000 in a bid to grow their co-operative and take on exciting new initiatives.
Come As You Are has been at the forefront of the sex-positive sexual health, education, and pleasure movement for 17 years and has a greatly lauded online presence that offers resources and education across various communities. If successful, Come As You Are will create a travelling pop-up sex shop to bring their unique brand of high-quality sex products and educational workshops.
“We knew this contest would be a big hit with our supporters who last year refused to let us go out of business when we were hit by hard times. We’ve always loved being a co-operative and being able to maximize our outreach, would mean the world to us. Winning this contest will allow us to return to what we do best, taking sexual culture to the next level of accessibility,” said Sarah Forbes-Roberts, worker-owner Come As You Are.
The National Co-op Challenge was created last year as a way of engaging Canadians to decide which small and expanding co-ops would receive funding from The Co-operators. The format reflects co-ops’ commitment to democratic control of their organizations by their members.
“Last year’s National Co-op Challenge, during the International Year of Co-operatives, was a great success,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “So we decided to keep the momentum going by doing it once again, as a fun and interactive way of raising the profile of some extraordinary co-operative enterprises. Good luck to all the finalists!”
To view the videos and vote for your favourite co-ops, visit The Co-operators Facebook page.
About Come As You Are Co-operative:
Come As You Are, is the world’s only worker-owned and operated sex toy store, democratically run by Noah Kloeze, Annanda DeSilva, Sarah Forbes-Roberts and Jack Lamon. The store’s approach to sexuality is one of respect, openness, humour, communication and responsibility. Come As You Are has garnered dozens of retail awards including NOW magazine’s Best Sex Shop Award for 11 consecutive years, and has been featured in the media across Canada including Globe and Mail, MuchMusic, Zoomer magazine and many more.
Website: comeasyouare.ca
Twitter: @caya_coop
Facebook: ComeAsYouAreCooperative
Flickr: Come As You Are
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators 519-767-3937
Sarah Forbes-Roberts, Come As You Are 416-504-7934 sarah@comeasyouare.com
