Western Union Canada

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.”