Philippine-Canadian Ambassador Salutes Western Union for Ondoy Relief

December 13, 2009

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. 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.

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

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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.