Thursday was a great day to take time for a lunch break in the Town of Altona. Sun Valley Coop week was celebrated at the Altona Petroleum Centre with an appreciation barbeque. Not only could you walk away with a hot dog or two, 2015 equity cheques were also available for pick up.

"Over 2000 Coop members received their equity checks so far this week," said General Manager Brad Iverson.

Just after 12 o'clock Thursday there were lineups of people and vehicles outside the Petroleum Centre, with members looking to grab their lunch and 2015 equity checks. Iverson said it was a great turnout.

Iverson said Coop was able to allocate 5% on fuel purchases and 4% on grocery and hardware purchases in 2015.

Despite the decrease in allocation, Iverson was clear that membership continues to grow at a rate of 30 to 40 people signing up as new members monthly.