ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Apr 13, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Western Union Company(NYSE: WU), a leader in global payments, found in a recent survey, conducted by Wakefield Research, that 43 percent of consumers can't afford what they really want to purchase for their mom this Mother's Day. The same Western Union survey revealedthat even though consumers might not be able to afford the perfect gift, 49 percent of them would still break their budget for their Mother's Day gift.

"Consumers are expressing some concern when searching for that perfect gift for mom this season. By being wise this Mother's Day, consumers can stay within budget, while giving their mothers a gift they truly want: the gift of cash," said Victoria Lopez-Negrete, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America, Western Union.

Giving cash is easy through Western Union. Western Union's $50 for $5 offer makes it economical to send Mom the gift of cash this Mother's Day. This offer allows U.S. consumers to send a money transfer for up to $50 for a $5 transfer fee across the U.S.* Another great option is to order a gift card of up to $100 for only a $5 fee. The gift card can include a free greeting card and a voice message the sender leaves for Mom to hear. First class mail service to send the gift card is free too.

"Western Union's $50 for $5 has been very popular for consumers in the U.S.," added Lopez-Negrete. "We're excited to provide our consumers with reliable and affordable ways to provide gifts for their loved ones, particularly their mothers, with the gift of cash."

To help provide consumers with an alternative way to show their affection for their mom without putting a strain on their budget, Western Union recently announced the "Love in Any Language" campaign. The campaign was launched by Western Union and Latin Grammy Award-winning recording artist Daddy Yankee to provide consumers an active way to express their passion for their Mom.

Consumers are encouraged to create and upload their own original music video to express love to mothers, families, friends or loved ones. Once entrants have uploaded their entry, they are encouraged to tell their friends and family to go view their work and to vote.

"Less than a week remains to post entries - with a deadline of Monday, April 18. Voting on the entries posted ends on April 21. Be sure to visit the site and vote for your favorite Love in Any Language song," said Lopez-Negrete.

Public voting of the uploaded entries will determine 10 finalists, and the grand prize winner of the contest is set to receive $10,000 with a trip for two to the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Conference in Miami on April 27. No purchase is necessary to enter or win, and entry into the contest is subject to the Official Rules available at loveinanylanguage.com.

* IN ADDITION TO THE TRANSFER FEE, WESTERN UNION ALSO MAKES MONEY WHEN IT CHANGES YOUR DOLLARS INTO FOREIGN CURRENCY.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. The Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services are offered through a combined network of 445,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2010, The Western Union Company completed 214 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $76 billion of principal between consumers, and 405 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

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SOURCE: Western Union

Western Union
David Liggett +1-720-332-4119
david.liggett@WesternUnion.com