DENVER – The First Data Western Union Foundation and Western Union Financial Services, Inc. announced today that they, along with their authorized agent, Grace Kennedy Remittance Services, are contributing US$60,000 to aid flood victims in Guyana.
The heaviest rains to hit Guyana in more than 100 years – more than 28 inches – fell on Boxing Day (December 26) 2004. This rain left more than 400,000 people – half the country’s population – inundated with dirty flood waters. In a country that lies six feet below sea level, the disaster left nine dead and an estimated $2 million in damage.
Relief agencies including the Red Cross and businesses like Grace Kennedy Remittance Services rushed to provide aid to the residents of Guyana. However, more assistance is needed to combat food shortages, to prevent and treat water-borne illnesses, to provide potable water, and to build temporary housing for those left homeless. To support the relief effort, Western Union, its corporate foundation and its agent , Grace Kennedy Remittance Services, are providing a combined grant of US$60,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies designated specifically to relief efforts in Guyana. In addition, Grace Foods has donated US$20,000 or 2 million Guyanese dollars in food to support the effort.
“The First Data Western Union Foundation was established to address needs in the areas of education, health, and basic human services.” said Luella Chavez D’Angelo, president of the First Data Western Union Foundation. “Supporting the relief efforts in Guyana by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies allows us to assist individuals and families recover from the devastation of the floods and help them to rebuild their lives.”
Western Union has over 40 agent locations in Guyana. Consumers may call 1-800-325-6000 in the U.S or 592-227-5141 in Guyana to find the nearest Western Union agent location.
