Western Union Launches Online Worldwide Search for Ambassadors to Tell Their Inspiring Stories of Yes!

Global Money-Transfer Company Pledges US$1 to Educational Charities for Each Story Submitted, up to US$100,000 with Western Union Foundation Match

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Can people around the globe achieve their dreams through education? Yes!

Today, global money-transfer company Western Union launched a cause-marketing website and a global online search for six “yes ambassadors” to share their stories on the site. The website is part of Western Union’s global yes! campaign, which embraces the hopes and dreams of the more than 200 million people around the globe who live outside their country of origin.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/NE75744)

Through the power of yes!, people are finding that they can do amazing things. The website, which will link from www.westernunion.com, will harness those stories of optimism and positivity and inspire others to share their own stories.

“One of the main reasons people use Western Union is to send money home to pay for the education of a family member,” said Gail Galuppo, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Western Union. “Millions of people are moving their lives forward and saying yes! to their futures through education. We invite people from around the globe to visit our new website to share their inspiration, talent and stories and inspire others to share theirs.”

The site features stories from several celebrity ambassadors, who believe strongly in the role education plays in overcoming obstacles. Their stories will serve to inspire others to share their own stories. They include:

• Chase, a renowned Belgium-born street artist. Chase is now an L.A. resident.
• Cesar Evora, originally from Cuba, now one of the most popular leading men in the soap-opera industry. Cesar now lives in Mexico.
• Ana Maria Canseco, a Mexican-born Univision morning talk show host. Anna Maria now lives in Miami.
• Christine Gambito aka HappySlip, a leader in social networking, whose parents migrated from the Philippines.

Beginning today, people from Shanghai to Mumbai can visit the site, linked from www.westernunion.com, and submit their inspirational, optimistic stories of how education has positively impacted their lives. Consumers are encouraged to convey their stories through various mediums, including written stories, photos, and videos featuring songs, dance and art.

For each story submitted, Western Union will donate US$1 to one of its education-focused nonprofit partners Mercy Corps, Room to Read or Academy for Educational Development.

In March, winners from six regions around the globe will be named “yes!” ambassadors. Each winner will select one of Western Union’s education-focused nonprofit partners to receive a US$10,000 donation from Western Union. In total, Western Union will donate up to US$50,000 to the three nonprofits, and The Western Union Foundation will match that donation for a total donation of up to US$100,000.

About The Western Union Foundation

Through the donations of The Western Union Company, its employees and Agents, the Western Union Foundation helps fund programs that create economic opportunity around the world. Embracing the truly global nature of its corporate sponsor, the Western Union Foundation has granted nearly $52 million to more than 1,800 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in 75 countries. Its signature giving program, Western Union’s Our World, Our Family(sm), is a $50 million, five-year commitment reaching people at every rung of the economic ladder. Through Our World, Our Family, the Western Union Foundation is helping migrants and their families stay connected, overcome barriers and realize their dreams. For more information, visit http://foundation.westernunion.com.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global money transfer services. Together with its Vigo and Orlandi Valuta-branded money transfer 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. It operates through a combined network of more than 375,000 Agent locations in over 200 countries and territories. Famous for its pioneering telegraph services, the original Western Union dates back to 1851. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

SOURCE Western Union