Bangkok--1 Nov--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
$50,000 foundation grant and zero fee money transfers to Thailand Red Cross,employee and Agent gift to aid those in need
In response to the devastating floods in Thailand, the Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), today announced a comprehensive effort to help meet the most immediate and critical needs of the Thai people. The Western Union Foundation has also donated USD50,000, and offered a “zero-fee” consumer giving to Thailand Red Cross via the Western Union network and dedicated employee and Western Union Agent giving programs with a corporate match.
“On a day-to-day basis, Western Union? services offer an economic lifeline to consumers around the world. In times of adversity, that lifeline becomes even more important,” said Drina Yue, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, Western Union Asia Pacific. “We simply cannot stand by when the communities important to our consumers, employees and business associates are faced with devastation. We strive to team with our Agents, the Foundation and humanitarian organizations to offer a breadth of resources that can help people rebuild their homes, communities and lives.”
Consumers can call the toll-free 001 800 852 5385 ** to obtain updates on operating hours of Western Union? Agent locations across the country.
Direct Support through Strategic Grant making
The Western Union Foundation announced an initial financial contribution of USD 50,000 towards disaster relief efforts to provide victims with basic necessities such as safe drinking water, temporary shelter, clothing and access to sanitation facilities through the Thailand Red Cross response teams actively working in Thailand
Mobilizing Consumer Giving
For individuals and corporations wishing to donate to disaster relief efforts in Thailand, Western Union Foundation has set-up a contribution account where payments can be accepted globally in locations equipped with the Western Union? Quick PaySM, Quick CollectSM, or Payments service (BLUE form) — Pay To identified as WESTERN UNION FOUNDATION, Code City identified as WUFOUNDATION, and Account # identified as THAILAND — benefiting the Thailand Red Cross.
Western Union will provide consumers with a zero-fee payment contribution service directed to Thailand Red Cross, up to USD$5,000 from now until November 30, 2011.
Motivating Employee Giving
To encourage and support the philanthropic activity of its employees, Western Union, through its corporate foundation, has created a special relief fund as part of its response to the Thailand disaster. Between now and November 30, 2011, Western Union will match all employee donations towards the relief fund two-for-one for U.S. based employees, and three-for-one for all other company employees around the world.
Coordinating Agent and Company Resources
Western Union is actively encouraging its Agents to join together to support relief efforts. Western Union will match Agent contributions to the Western Union Foundation Thailand disaster relief fund dollar-for-dollar. Since Western Union covers the administrative expenses of its charitable arm, all employee and Agent donations to the Western Union Foundation are put to work on behalf of people in need.