Western Union knows how important your family is to you, especially over the holidays. That's why this holiday season, when you surprise them with the gift of cash, you have a chance to win your own surprise; visit your loved ones with a free airline voucher or connect with them using complementary Phone Time Voucher from "Tata Communications". For all details, click here.

Check out our Canadian TV Commercials and our Youtube Channel as well!

Send 3 qualifying Western Union Money Transfer transactions using your PCP card at participating Metro locations and get a $5 discount toward your Metro purchases. Expires August 31,2010. Download the poster for more details.

To find out more about our special offers visit our Promotions page.

Get 20% off the transfer fee on your next qualifying Westen Union money transfers to Hong Kong. Expires August 31,2010. Download the coupon for more details.

To find out more about our special offers visit our Promotions page.

Rowena Licup, from New Westminster, British Columbia, has won a Western Union prize draw for a Balikbayan box, a large container filled with non-perishable food, clothing and other daily living products, shipped to her mother in the Philippines.

Rowena, who has been in Canada for two-and-a-half years, is a live-in care giver for children with special needs. She sends two Balikbayan boxes per year to her mother, in the Philippines, but this year her mom will be getting an extra box thanks to the Western Union contest.

My mom is alone and doesn’t work. I send her Balikbayan boxes because I want to surprise her and support her, says Rowena. She usually sends her mother boxes filled with soup, coffee and sugar, as well as other personal care items, and the Balikbayan box she won from the Western Union draw will add to the support she can provide her mother this year. It is good to help because it is hard for some people in the Philippines, especially after [Typhoon] Ondoy. I’m very happy and very lucky. Thank you Western Union!

Rowena is the first winner of the contest, which draws for a Balikbayan box every month until December 31, 2010. Western Union will ship the box full of items from Canada directly to Rowena’s mother in the Philippines. Western Union partner, UMAC, a shipping company that specializes in delivering Balikbayan boxes to the Philippines from around the world, is covering the cost of shipping.

Filipinos are very connected to their home country and they take their responsibilities seriously for supporting their families back home, says Brian Fox, senior vice president and regional manager for Western Union in Canada. Many who work here in Canada, like Rowena, are literally putting their lives on hold to support others and we want to acknowledge and celebrate that commitment. We also believe that we have a responsibility as corporate citizens to provide more than business services, so we’re glad we’re able to offer some assistance to the Filipino community through our Balikbayan box contest.

Congratulations to Rowena on winning the draw, and thanks to her and all our Filipino consumers for choosing Western Union for their money transfer services.

To find out more about our special offers for Very Important Pinoys (VIP) visit our VIP page.

The World Music Awards is an international awards show founded in 1989 that annually honours recording artists based on worldwide sales figures provided by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
Western Union is proud to sponsor the World Music Awards 2010. Tune in to CityTV on June 17, 2010 at 8 PM EST to watch the show.

Enjoy the convenience of sending money online to family and friends worldwide 24/7. Only $9 plus 1% of money sent for transfers below $1,000. Available on online transfers under $1,000 using Scotia OnLine® Financial Services. Plus, get 12 months of free banking when you send money and open a new Scotiabank Powerchequing® Account. See Scotiabank for details.

Western Union reaches out to some of its key consumers -- migrant workers from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the Philippines, and other countries -- by hosting sports and social events throughout Canada’s growing season from April to October.

The events provide the organization with opportunities to meet some of its consumers face to face and talk to them about how Western Union Money Transfer® services can help them achieve their goals.

“Some of these migrant workers are here for up to eight months of the year. They are away from their home country, their spouse, children, family and friends, and we try to provide some extra support while they are here,” says Brian Fox, senior vice president and regional manager for Canada. “We offer social outlets such as soccer and cricket matches for them to have some fun on their days off.”

Western Union representatives, who come from the same or similar parts of the world and speak the migrant workers’ language, run these events so that the workers feel more at home. They also distribute practical items that the migrant workers can use while out in the fields.

“Our people are here to build trusted relationships with the migrant worker community,” says Fox. “The community uses our services year after year so we feel it’s our responsibility to give something back and thank them for their loyalty.”

Western Union also distributes a Migrant Worker’s Handbook, which offers information about Canada, its weather, currency, public services, and cycling safety -- a key topic for members of the community who often use bicycles as their main source of transportation. Western Union has been hosting migrant worker events for several years and the organization’s commitment to the migrant worker community is well established. Soccer or cricket matches often attract from 300 to 500 migrant workers, and many tell Western Union’s representatives that they look forward each year to the summer events.

“Migrant workers are an amazing group of people who make tremendous sacrifices to support and improve the lives of their children and their families at home and provide invaluable service to Canadian agriculture,” says Fox. “Some have been coming to Canada to work for 20 years, sending most of what they earn back home to their families. We are proud that Western Union is there to help them achieve their goals.”

Until December 2010, Western Union, along with their Agent National Money Mart is holding a Very Important Pinoy (VIP) sweepstakes for the Filipino community in Canada. But the winners of the draws don’t receive anything themselves. The prize is a Balikbayan box, a large shipping container filled with non-perishable food, clothing and other daily living products that is shipped to the winner’s family in the Philippines.

“While many new Canadians and migrant workers send items to family in their home country as well as money, for the Filipino community, it’s part of our culture,” says Joycelyn David, senior marketing manager for Western Union in Canada. “Many Filipinos will set aside a room in their home where they gather all the items they’re going to put into their Balikbayan box, everything from coffee and juice, to toothpaste, soap and clothing.”

It might take an individual several months to save enough money to fill a Balikbayan box and pay to have it shipped to family in the Philippines. It’s a sacrifice, but it’s also a way for Filipino-Canadians and Filipino migrant workers to share their good fortune with family and show them how much they are missed and loved.

Western Union is holding the prize draw as part of a promotion to encourage Filipino consumers to use Western Union’s money transfer services. Running until December 31, 2010, every time someone sends money to the Philippines through Money Mart or Instacheque Agent locations, he or she is eligible to win. To instantly enter the contest, consumers must text ‘BOX’ and the last four digits of their Money Transfer Control Number to ‘88898’. “Our Philippines customers are very important to us, so we are happy to have this opportunity to give back to our customers and their families,” says Marian de Monye, Western Union Product Manager for Money Mart/Insta Cheques.

Western Union ships a Balikbayan box full of items from Canada directly to the Philippines address selected by the winner each month. The winners don’t have to deal with the added cost of shipping the Balikbayan box, thanks to Western Union partner, UMAC, who are covering the cost of shipping. UMAC is a shipping company that specializes in delivering Balikbayan boxes to the Philippines from around the world. Larry Baguisa President/CEO, “UMAC EXPRESS CARGO, INC is a devoted balikbayan box Company which is firmly committed in making Filipinos overseas become closer to their families back in the only place we call home -- the Philippines! With pride, UMAC is strongly dedicated in serving Filipinos worldwide with only the best quality and most reliable service.”

To find out more about our special offers for Very Important Pinoys (VIP) visit our VIP page.

On Sunday December 13, 2009 over 200 new Filipino migrants piled into Our Lady of Assumption Church in Toronto, Canada for the annual Western Union Migrant Worker Christmas celebration. Colorful Christmas stars hung throughout the church hall and made for a nostalgic backdrop to an afternoon full of laughter, appreciation, and yes -- a few tears as well.

The event kicked off with the Canadian premiere of the music video “Galing Ng Pinoy,” a song that celebrates the “can do” spirit of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Following a buffet lunch, teams competed for prizes in a variety of games included singing, dancing and Western Union trivia. A series of tearful but thankful consumers took to the microphone to express personally their gratitude to Western Union for service to the Filipino community.

The highlight of the event came with the arrival of the Honorable Jose Brillantes, Philippine-Canadian Ambassador and his presentation to Western Union Canada for providing the support.

Philippine-Ambassador letter excerpt: “It is with deep appreciation that I wish to recognize the Western Union Canada team for their service and assistance to the Filipino community in the wake of Typhoon Ketrina (Typhoon Ondoy) that struck the Philippines on 26 September 2009. I especially want to thank the Team for quickly to secure 50% service fee reduction for moneys sent from Canada to the Philippines 05 October to 15 November 2009.

Philippine Ambassador Jose Brillantes presents Brian Fox with recognition for Ondoy 50% program.

In the letter from Ambassador Brillantes, the following Western Union people were recognized for their respective contributions in marketing, finance and operations: In Canada: Bill Vankoot, Don Delair, Carlos Garcia, Daniel Zou, Chito Gonzalez, Joycelyn David. In the US: Scott Paintin, Kellie Norden, Emily Kollymer and Matt Roach.

“When Ondoy hit the Philippines, we felt an obligation to try and help our consumers in a meaningful way,” says Brian Fox Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Canada. “Our team worked around the clock to mobilize our efforts and launch a program to help support those families affected and relying on remittances and support from loved ones in Canada.”

To find out about our special offers for Very Important Pinoys (VIP) visit our VIP page.

Congratulations to Annelyn Caturas of Calgary who utilized the Western Union® service at Safeway in North Hill in Calgary, Alberta. She frequently sends money through Western Union to her family in Philippines. "I'm really excited, I never imagined I'd win this," an excited Caturas said of her win.

Western Union ran the 20,000 Air Miles Giveaway promotion from October - December 2009 across Canada. Contestants could enter by to texting “MILES” and entering last 4 digits of their Western Union transaction number.

“The Air Miles promotion is a perfect fit for us. Air Miles provides great rewards and incentives for Western Union consumers who are excited to connect with their loved ones,” said Joycelyn David, Senior Marketing Manager of Western Union Canada. “At Western Union we pride ourselves on making a difference in people's lives, and we are delighted to award Annelyn with 20,000 Air Miles.”

To find out more about our special offers visit our Promotions page.

Maligayang pagdating. Welcome to Canada. We at Western Union know that it is hard to settle down in a new country. We hope this Pinoy Care Handbook will help you in getting acquainted with Canada - your second home. Download the Pinoy Care Handbook for Filipino newcomers to Canada in our Very Important Pinoy (VIP) section.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Daniel Díaz, Western Union
daniel.diaz@WesternUnion.com
+ 1 720 332 5564

Western Union Commits $250,000 to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Haiti

No Fee Money Transfer Services to Haiti from the U.S., Canada and France

ENGLEWOOD, CO - January 13, 2010 - To help the victims of Haiti's deadliest earthquake in more than 200 years, The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in the money transfer segment of global payments, today announced a number of disaster relief efforts in support of Haiti, including: grants; consumer, Agent and employee donation programs; and a "No Transfer Fee" initiative when sending money to Haiti from the U.S., Canada and in France, in cooperation with our Agents.

Through its corporate signature program, Our World, Our Family®, The Western Union Company will contribute $150,000 towards disaster relief efforts. The Western Union Foundation will donate an additional $100,000 to help provide basic human relief efforts such as food, safe drinking water, access to sanitation facilities, clothing and temporary shelter through Mercy Corps and Save the Children response teams actively working in Haiti.
Western Union, through its global foundation, has activated its Agent Gift Matching Program in support of Haiti, matching one-for-one Agent donations from around the world. Western Union also is encouraging employee donations to be made directly to the Western Union Foundation in support of the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. All employee donations will be matched one-to-one.

Additionally, The Western Union Company has set up a special account in the U.S. - MERCYCORPS, OR - benefitting Mercy Corps in support of disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Consumers in the U.S. can donate by sending a no fee money transfer directed to the Mercy Corps account, for up to $5,000 over the next 30 days by visiting a Western Union Agent location or online at www.westernunion.com.

"The damages in Haiti are catastrophic, leaving the country in need of immediate support," said Stewart A. Stockdale, executive vice president and president, The Americas. "The hearts of all Western Union employees go out to everyone affected by this disaster, including to our colleagues with families and friends in Haiti."

Western Union also is launching a "No Transfer Fee" pricing action for any amount sent to Haiti from the United States, Canada and France. The "No Transfer Fee" initiative will run for a period of seven days, once service is reestablished throughout the country, when sending money to Haiti from the U.S., Canada and in France, in cooperation with our Agents.

Remittances will be vital in offering emergency support to families and friends. Western Union is actively working together with its Agents in Haiti and throughout the region to help facilitate the delivery of services in a fast, reliable and convenient manner during this time of need.

"Western Union is working closely with our dear friend Wyclef Jean and his charitable organization Yéle Haiti to help raise global awareness of post disaster relief efforts in Haiti," concluded Stockdale.

Western Union, through its corporate signature program Our World, Our Family®, recently announced a $225,000 donation to Wyclef's charitable organization, Yéle Haiti www.yele.org, to support education projects in his native country of Haiti. A portion of the grant will be used to support rebuilding efforts, primarily in the areas of education and vocational training.

Western Union is committed to fostering hope in the developing world by creating a dialogue about issues that impact our consumers and our global community.

Western Union is not changing a transfer fee, however the conversion of currency may result in a foreign exchange gain. Western Union pays out in US dollars in Haiti.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta and Pago Facil branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta operate through a combined network of more than 400,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2008, The Western Union Company completed 188 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $74 billion of principal between consumers, and 412 million consumer-to-business transactions. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com

About The Western Union Foundation

Through Western Union's Our World, Our Family(R) signature program, the Western Union Foundation supports initiatives to empower individuals, families and communities through access to better education and economic opportunity. Recognized by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy in 2009, the program is a five year, $50 million commitment reflecting the efforts made by Western Union employees, Agents, and partners around the world. Since its inception, the Western Union Foundation has awarded over $57 million in grants and disaster relief to over 1,900 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in 100 countries. For more information, visit http://foundation.westernunion.com

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps helps people in the world's toughest places turn crises of natural disaster, poverty and conflict into opportunities for progress. Driven by local needs and market conditions, our programs provide communities with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Our worldwide team of 3,700 professionals is improving the lives of 16.7 million people in more than 40 countries. For more information, visit http://www.mercycorps.org

About Save the Children

Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries.