ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), a leader in global payments, and
its Agent, Belle Foods, which recently acquired Southern Family Markets,
today donated a combined $225,000 through the Western Union Foundation
to benefit four nonprofit organizations that provide services in Alabama:
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Habitat for Humanity International: works in partnership with
low-income families to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes;
advocates for fair and just housing policies; and provides training
and access to resources to help families improve their shelter
conditions. Habitat for Humanity International will receive a grant
totaling $75,000.
-
American Red Cross Alabama Region: feeds and provides emotional
support to victims of disasters; contributes to the supply of more
than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives;
provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members
and their families. The American Red Cross Alabama Region will receive
a grant totaling $50,000.
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Salvation Army (Greater Birmingham Command): provides a broad
array of social services that range from providing food for the
hungry, relief for disaster victims, clothing and shelter to the
homeless, transitional and permanent housing programs, outreach to
families, seniors, individuals and opportunities for underprivileged
children. The Salvation Army (Greater Birmingham Command) will receive
a grant totaling $50,000.
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United Way of Central Alabama: through its partner agencies
works in communities to strengthen families and individuals with
programs in education, income, health and access to services. United
Way embraces bold initiatives that produce lasting results. United Way
of Central Alabama will receive a grant totaling $50,000.
The Western Union Agent Giving Program matches qualifying Agent
donations to eligible local nonprofit organizations on a one-to-one
basis and select global nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on a
two-to-one basis.
Southern Family Markets donated $100,000 prior to its acquisition by
Belle Foods, and Western Union provided matching grants totaling
$125,000. The Habitat for Humanity International donation will be
matched by Western Union at a rate of two-to-one for an additional
$25,000 to fund a global microfinance program and the local Volunteer
Builds program in Alabama.
“Western Union is a purpose-driven brand,” said
Luella Chavez D'Angelo
,
senior vice president, Western Union Social Ventures and president,
Western Union Foundation. “Our philosophy is to collaborate with our
Agents and employees to give back to the community. Together with its
Agents, Western Union believes in helping to create jobs and grow local
economies all while Moving Money for Better. This is one way we
demonstrate our corporate social responsibility.”
“Belle Foods understands how important it is to give back to the
communities we serve,” said
Bill White
, President and CEO of Belle
Foods. “By working with the Western Union Foundation, we have aligned
our company’s philanthropic activities and amassed nearly a
quarter-million dollars to benefit consumers across Alabama.”
About The Western Union Foundation
Through Western Union’s Our World, Our Family®
signature program, the Western Union Foundation supports initiatives to
empower people through access to economic opportunity. Recognized by the
Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy in 2009, the program is a
five-year, $50 million commitment reflecting efforts made by Western
Union employees, agents and partners around the world. Since its
inception, the Western Union Foundation has awarded more than $80.1
million in grants to more than 2,045 nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs) in 109 countries and territories. To learn more, visit http://foundation.westernunion.com.
About Belle Foods
Belle Foods LLC, which recently acquired Southern Family Markets, LLC,
is a family owned neighborhood grocer with 57 stores in 4 Southern
states, originated by the father-son team of
Bill and Jeff White
. Belle
prides themselves in providing great quality food, excellent customer
service, and affordable prices in a clean, family friendly environment.
For more information, visit http://belle-foods.com.
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. As of June 30, 2012, the Western Union, Vigo and
Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network
of approximately 510,000 agent locations in 200 countries and
territories. In 2011, The Western Union Company completed 226 million
consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $81 billion of
principal between consumers, and 425 million business payments. For more
information, visit www.westernunion.com.
WU-G
Source: Western Union