Western Union Offers Relief to Hurricane Katrina Victims

Strategic Insights -

As Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake, Western Union Financial Services, Inc. quickly responded with a plan to provide immediate relief to those affected. From September 2 to September 30, 2005, Western Union reduced its service fees by 50 percent on Money In Minutes transactions sent from within the U.S. to Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. The company also established a no-transfer fee service for consumers who wanted to donate to the American Red Cross.

Key Takeaways:

  • Western Union reduced its service fees by 50 percent on Money In Minutes transactions sent from within the U.S. to Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama from September 2 to September 30, 2005.
  • The company established a no-transfer fee service for consumers who wanted to donate to the American Red Cross, allowing them to send donations directly to the organization.
  • Western Union Agent locations in the affected areas were temporarily closed due to damage, but the company was working to restore service.
  • Consumers could call 800-325-6000 to obtain the most up-to-date information about Agent locations where money could be received.
  • Western Union Financial Services, Inc. is a subsidiary of First Data Corp. and is an international leader in consumer money transfer services.
  • The company has approximately 233,000 Agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories.
  • Western Union and its subsidiary, Orlandi Valuta, make up one of the world's largest money transfer networks.

Statistics:

  • 50 percent reduction in service fees for Money In Minutes transactions sent from within the U.S. to Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.
  • 233,000 Agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories.
  • 4.1 million merchant locations served by First Data Corp.
  • 1,400 card issuers served by First Data Corp.
  • 1.7 million ATM and retail locations on the STAR Network.

Sources:

  • Western Union Financial Services, Inc. press release, September 2, 2005.
  • First Data Corp. website, www.firstdata.com.