Western Union supports disaster relief

As a humanitarian gesture toward cyclone relief efforts in Bangladesh, Western Union is launching a "No Transfer Fee" Pricing Action for any amount sent to Bangladesh from Italy, the United Kingdom, the U.S.A., Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The initiative will run from Nov. 27, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2007 in the U.S. and from Dec. 1, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2007 in the United Kingdom, Italy, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Remittances will be vital in offering emergency support on top of relief efforts by the Government of Bangladesh, UN agencies and various NGOs to the victims of Cyclone Sidr.

Moreover, The Western Union Foundation, a philanthropic organization to facilitate charitable giving programs worldwide, is donating US$100,000 to UNICEF in its relief response in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, education, child protection and the provision of non-food items.

The Western Union Foundation also is encouraging employee donations through the Western Union Employee Gift Matching Program. The Western Union Foundation will match registered employee donations to UNICEF on a one-for-one basis, up to US $25,000.

"The hearts of all Western Union employees go out to the thousands who have been hit by this natural disaster," said Luella Chavez D'Angelo, President, The Western Union Foundation. "We want to help those in need and assist them in putting their lives back together as quickly as possible."

"The impact of Cyclone Sidr on children - who make up almost half of the affected population - is enormous," said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the United States Fund for UNICEF. "Donations such as this will support UNICEF's efforts to save kids' lives and help them to regain a sense of normalcy, and we greatly appreciate Western Union's rapid response."