Foundation donates $1M to tsunami victims

The First Data Western Union Foundation made a donation of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support victims in the Asian countries most impacted by the recent tsunami disaster. The donation is the single largest gift made by the foundation since its inception in 2000.

“We are proud of the donation made by the First Data Western Union Foundation to support the rebuilding process in the devastated countries,” said Christina Gold, president, Western Union Financial Services. “Our reduced money transfer offer is another way to help people support their loved ones–by sending money when it matters most.”

In addition, Western Union has agreed to match all donations made to the Foundation by First Data/Western Union employees to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Similar programs are in place for Western Union agents. These programs were implemented as an incentive to employees and agents to participate through the Foundation. First Data and Western Union strongly encourages consumers to thoroughly research any charitable organization prior to making a monetary donation to ensure that it is a legitimate business.

Western Union also has reduced fees on money transfers sent to Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the effected areas of India including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Andaman Nicobar Islands and Pondicherry.

From Jan. 10 through Feb.10, 2005, Western Union Money Transfer service fees from most agent locations around the world to the impacted region will be reduced to US$7, 5 EUR or a comparable amount in other local currencies. In cases of countries that already have a lower money transfer fee, the lower fee will be honored. Check with your local agent for the offer in your currency. In addition to the transfer fees applicable to this transaction, a currency exchange rate set by Western Union will be applied.

The Western Union Money Transfer service continues to be available in many areas that were affected by the tsunamis. To inquire about availability and the nearest Western Union agent location, consumers can call:

Asia Pacific (61) 2 9226 9555

Western Union Financial Services, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corp. is an international leader in consumer money transfer services. Consumers can quickly and reliably pay bills and transfer money around the globe using the company’s proprietary money transfer network. For more information, please visit the company’s web site at www.westernunion.com.

The First Data Western Union Foundation, the charitable organization of First Data Corp., supports philanthropic initiatives worldwide. Since it’s inception in December 2000, the Foundation has donated millions of dollars to help those most in need. Grants are made to non-profit organizations in health, education and human services that strengthen and improve the lives of many individuals in comminutes throughout the world. Scholarships are given to nontraditional college students. The Foundation also provides disaster relief funding to communities in need. Additionally, the Foundation raises money from First Data employees and business associates to increase the impact of grantmaking to communities worldwide. Please visit the Foundation’s website at www.firstdatawesternunion.org.(PR)