Western Union offers relief to PH

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado— The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payment services, and the Western Union Foundation announced a series of relief efforts to support communities in the Philippines devastated by  typhoon “Pablo” (international name Bopha).

To further help people contribute to relief efforts, westernunion.com is offering fee-free money transfers to the Philippines.  The online fee-free^* money transfer service to the Philippines is available for all money transfers sent from www.westernunion.com and its mobile app between December 12 – 21, 2012, and is subject to network, service and currency availability.

“A country’s border should not limit the power of a helping hand,” said Khalid Fellahi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Western Union Digital Ventures. “In this time of great trial for the people of the Philippines, we hope to connect the global community with those whose lives have been shattered by Typhoon Bopha.”

The Western Union Foundation will provide a US$50,000 grant to the Philippines Red Cross for immediate relief to impacted communities with shelter, food and basic necessities.

The Western Union Foundation is also launching a challenge to match contributions on a one-to-one basis up to US$50,000 directed to the Philippines Red Cross to further benefit those affected.  Consumers in the U.S. can use the Western Union^® Payments service, with no transfer fee^*, at participating Western Union^® Agent locations. The challenge grant option is available through Friday, December 28, 2012. Donors can also give online at www.westernunionfoundation.org.