Western Union® Agents – connecting with their local communities

 Western Union® Agents – connecting with their local communities Côte d'Ivoire and Benin – Educational tools for African children In many African public schools, students lack the basic necessities such as books, desks and school supplies. Some must sit on the floor to learn. Now, thanks to Western Union and its Agents, some students in Benin and Côte d'Ivoire will be sitting at desks. Recently, a group of Agents came together in each country to help improve the lives of children in their local communities. In both countries, Agents helped purchase much‐needed desks for local public schools. “We are continuously seeking new solutions to support development and educational initiatives – not just here in Côte d’Ivoire, but globally. We believe our services are about more than money, and our donation today is an illustration of the different ways in which Western Union® Agents come together to help improve the lives of people in our communities.” Haiti earthquake response – Agent to the rescue When NGO Mercy Corps needed a way to get much‐needed cash to its team for relief operations in Haiti, Remesas Vimenca, a 20+ year Western Union® Agent in the Dominican Republic, offered a creative solution that was fast, reliable and convenient. They simply loaned the Mercy Corps team $50,000. No questions asked. With debris blocking the main port, impassable roads and airplanes loaded with relief supplies unable to land in Haiti, the Mercy Corps team decided to land in the Dominican Republic and truck in the much needed disaster relief supplies. To obtain the trucks, they needed cash fast and due to restrictions on transfer amounts, were unable to transfer the full amount. The Mercy Corps team sent an email to Western Union, asking for help. Corporate Affairs, the Foundation and other Western Union departments took immediate action, enabling Western Union employees in Florida to quickly contact Remesas Vimenca. A $50,000 cash loan was available the next morning. Mercy Corps later reimbursed the Agent via a bank wire. Community connections – making a difference Just back from delivering shoes and computers to help disadvantaged people in Central America, Enrique Alejo, President and CEO of Liborio Markets—a 13‐location, family‐owned, Western Union® Agent catering to the Hispanic market in California, Colorado and Nevada—is looking forward to his next community activity. With over 75% of his time spent on giving back to consumers and their communities, here and in their home countries, Enrique has made it his own mission to provide support and aid to those who need it most. With a great family tradition of community service embedded in Enrique at an early age, this Western Union Agent has never abandoned consumers, their families or others in need. Whether it be bringing aid to Mexico after a natural disaster or providing support and experience every year to that country’s Telethon, he goes the extra mile to give back to the community. Enrique has organized many events and fundraisers to help out in Central American countries such as El Salvador. For the past fourteen years, through the Funter Telethon of Southern California, he has helped raised thousands of dollars for underprivileged children in that country. In addition, he has also helped build over 127 houses in El Salvador for earthquake victims, as well as many schools, parks, roads and the fourth Enrique Alejo Medical Clinic ‐ currently under construction. Over the past 40 years, Enrique has received much recognition for his charitable work, including the Humanities Doctorate Honoris Causa given to him by the Panamerican Univeristy, which he holds very close to his heart. “As an immigrant who came to this country, I truly understand what it’s like to hope for a better future,” says Enrique. “Giving back has always been a large part of our business philosophy. We participate in a variety of community and non‐profit activities and events. We’ve helped victims of natural disasters. Our mascot ‘Liborito,’ appears at local and special events—promoting positive human values and education. I have achieved my dream of a better future for my family, with the help of many, including the thousands of consumers who shop at Liborio Markets. That’s why it’s my responsibility to give back to the community—to help others also achieve their dreams.”