Western Union Canada

During the month of June, Western Union will be helping to celebrate Philippine Independence at the following events across the country. See below for details on an event near you!

British Columbia
Date: June 3, 2012
Location: Slocan Park

Toronto
Date: June 9, 2012
Location: Metro Toronto Convention

Montreal
Date: June 17, 2012
Location: Mackenzie King Park

Ottawa
Date: June 17, 2012
Location: Vincent Massey Park

Send money to the Philippines for as low as $9 using our Next Day service at participating Western Union agent locations.

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

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.”

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.

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.