Western Union raising US$275,000 for Typhoon Mangkhut victims

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- To support communities most affected by Typhoon Mangkhut in the Philippines recently, Western Union aims to raise up to US$275,000 (RM1.14 million) to provide relief. (US$1 = RM4.14)

The leader in cross-border and cross-currency money movement together with the Western Union Foundation, agents and employees are jointly contributing to the comprehensive effort.

“Flooding and landslides from the typhoon have caused significant damage and loss of life,” said vice president and head of Western Union Foundation, Elizabeth Roscoe.

She said over the coming weeks, they would work with Western Union agents, employees and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help the communities recover.

In a statement, the company said it has committed US$50,000 (RM207,000) while the Western Union Foundation has pledged US$30,000 (RM124,200) to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The foundation will also provide a 1:1 match of qualifying contributions from participating Western Union agents up to US$75,000 (RM310,500) and a 2:1 match from contributions made by Western Union employees up to US$15,000 (RM62,100).

To date, the agents participating include Universal Storefront Services Corp, Perahub, eBusiness Services Inc and Direct Agent 5 Inc.

Meanwhile, due to the severity of Typhoon Mangkhut, some Western Union agent locations may not be immediately operational or possess sufficient funds.

Western Union and the Western Union Foundation were at the forefront of major natural disaster relief efforts, including Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas that occurred last year.

Since 2001, the Western Union Foundation has donated more than US$17 million (RM70.38 million) for disaster relief, to aid 180 disasters in 80 countries around the world.

--BERNAMA