Community News
[Monday November 23, 2009]
Joy Rojas Arrives in New York City, Completing her Journey Across U.S.
Filipina Trans USA Runner Ignites Spirit All Around Country
ENGLEWOOD, CO., (November 23, 2009) – The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), proud sponsor of Joy Rojas and her Takbong Pangarap Trans USA Run, welcomed her into New York City after her run across the United States. What began as a charity run to raise money to fight tuberculosis and heart disease has become a fire of inspiration that has lit throughout all Filipinos across the nation.
A survivor of tuberculosis herself, Rojas began her journey in the Eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles, CA and arrived in New York City on Sunday night, completing a run of over 3,000 miles across the United States. Overcoming countless odds and experiencing major hurdles, the journey has not been smooth for Rojas. Throughout the run, she encountered elevations as high as 8,000 feet and weather that ranged from 100 degree scorching heat to near-freezing temperatures. She even saw snow for the first time in her life.
After a knee injury delayed her expedition by several weeks, Rojas finally arrived in Washington D.C., where she was greeted by a large crowd of fans excited to see her. One of the Western Union® Agent locations in Fort Washington, MD hosted a welcoming party where Rojas shared her experiences and rested to complete her run to New York.
She arrived in New York City on Sunday night and was ready to meet and greet with fans and media on Monday afternoon at an event hosted by Western Union at the Philippines Consulate General.
“We are so proud to support such a great cause and also build an awareness about our great services. She perfectly exemplifies the can-do spirit that matches Western Union’s yes! campaign,” shared Silvia Eliat, Marketing Director of Ethnic Segments for Western Union.
Running with her trainer Mat Macabe, who underwent open-heart surgery last year, Rojas decided to challenge herself with this Trans USA run to benefit a Division of the Philippine Heart Center and the Anti-TB Program of the Inner Wheel Club, District 378.
“They said it couldn’t be done, but with hard work, determination, commitment, endless prayers, and the help of so many people, running across America—and any dream for that matter—can be achieved,” Rojas said. “Thank you to Western Union and everybody who paved the way for us to run from California to New York. It was a privilege and an honor.”
In addition to working with Joy Rojas to help her achieve her goal, Western Union also works hard to support the community and its customers. In the spirit of holidays and giving, Western Union is offering its consumers several promotions this season. First is the ‘$50 for $5’ promotion where consumers can send up to $50 to loved ones in the U.S. for a $5 fee through December 26, 2009. Also, send $50 or more internationally by December 26, 2009 and receive a coupon good for 40% off the next qualifying money transfer*. Western Union is also offering the ability to send cash on a Western Union® branded prepaid gift card**.
* In addition to the transfer fee, Western Union also makes money when it changes your dollars into foreign currency. Promotional discounts expire 3/31/2010. Funds availability subject to terms and conditions of service. See send form for Restrictions.
** The Western Union® Gift Card is issued by MetaBank™ pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. INC. MetaBank; Member FDIC. A $2.50 per month servicing fee applies after 12 consecutive months of non-use.
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta and Pago Facil branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta operate through a combined network of more than 400,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2008, The Western Union Company completed 188 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $74 billion of principal between consumers, and 412 million consumer-to-business transactions. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
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