ENGLEWOOD, Colo., March 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), a leader in global payment services, in cooperation with its Agents, has activated a limited-time "No Transfer Fee"* program for money-transfers sent to Japan from participating Agent locations around the world. The "No Transfer Fee" service will allow consumers to send money to help loved ones affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan on March 11.
The "No Transfer Fee" program to Japan will be available March 17 through April 17, 2011, and is subject to network, service and currency availability.
Consumers sending money to Japan may visit participating Western Union® Agent locations to send a money transfer to family and friends in Japan or may do so online at http://www.westernunion.com .
"Western Union stands together with its Agents and the people of Japan at this time of need," said Hikmet Ersek, President and CEO. "Our services are an economic lifeline, and that is seldom more evident than in times of personal crisis or national emergency."
The earthquake and tsunami damages have generated a number of challenges for businesses operating in Japan, and Western Union continues to work with its Agents toward restoring full service as quickly as possible to people in affected regions. In Japan, consumers can call the toll free hotline 0034-800-400-733 or check http://www.westernunion.co.jp to obtain updates on operating hours of Western Union Agent locations across the country.
Earlier this week, the Western Union Foundation made a contribution to Mercy Corps in support of Peace Winds Japan, their local partner, to provide for the immediate needs of survivors, including supplying shelter, food, water, blankets and medicine.
Additionally, Western Union has activated a special account to enable U.S. consumers to support Japan disaster-relief efforts. Consumers can donate to Mercy Corps by sending a no-fee money transfer using the Western Union® Quick Collect® service (code city: Japan Relief, CO) through a participating Western Union Agent location. Consumers can also go online at http://www.westernunion.com to donate and support Japan disaster relief efforts.
The Foundation also has initiated a Japan Earthquake Relief Fund to match donations from Western Union employees.
*Western Union may make money on the exchange of currencies.
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 US$76 billion of principal between consumers, and 405 million business payments. For more information, visit http://www.westernunion.com .
