Western Union embraces Haitian Progress through Community Forums

Discussion byWILLHEM BERROUET

DENVER -- Western Union Financial Services, Inc., a worldwide leader in money transfer services, is dedicated to understanding its consumers’ needs and providing programs that make a positive difference in their lives. This commitment is evidenced by an announcement today that Western Union will host five Haitian Town Forums promoting education and awareness about issues affecting the Haitian community in South Florida. These forums, which begin on Friday, September 26th and continue through Monday, November 17th, are free to the public and will provide a venue for discussions on topics such as FCAT, Health, and Immigration.

The Town Forums will allow the Haitian community to gather current information and ask questions about Cancer, preparing for the FCAT, and several other key issues affecting Haitian residents living in South Florida. This community initiative will put the Haitian Community in contact with key community leaders, allowing them to engage in open discussions that will not only educate but also stimulate ideas for solutions to these challenging issues.

Leaders and guardians in the Haitian Community will assist with the panel discussions at each

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forum. Panel members will include speakers from various walks of life and professions such as doctors, lawyers and educators. Some of the panel participants include: Marie Estime-Thompson, a prominent attorney specializing in immigration law; Dr. Robert Ingram, a Miami-Dade County School Board Member and former Opa-locka Mayor; Frantz Delva, a highly respected medical doctor; and several other advocates for the Haitian Community. In addition, Burt Charles, a champion for social services, will act as the moderator for the scheduled forums.

Western Union considers this community effort a means of building long-term relationships with South Florida’s Haitian community, as well as promoting human development and social progress. In addition to the powerful panel discussions, these forums will also include promotional give-a-way items provided by Western Union and refreshments provided by Grace Kennedy. For more information regarding these Town Forums, please call (954) 364-6260.

About Western Union Financial Services, Inc. and First Data
Western Union Financial Services, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC), is an international leader in consumer money transfer services. Consumers can quickly and reliably pay bills and transfer money around the globe using the company’s proprietary money transfer network. Western Union and its subsidiary, Orlandi Valuta, together make up one of the world’s largest money transfer networks with approximately 165,000 Agent locations in more than 195 countries and territories. Famous for its pioneering telegraph service, the original Western Union dates back to 1851 and introduced electronic money transfer service in 1871. For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.westernunion.com.

First Data Corp., with global headquarters in Denver, helps power the global economy. Serving approximately 3 million merchant locations, 1,400 card issuers and millions of consumers, First Data makes it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses to buy goods and services, using virtually any form of payment: credit, debit, smart card, stored-value card or check at the point-of-sale, over the Internet or by money transfer. For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.firstdata.com.

Western Union- Haitian Town Forums Schedule

Friday- October 10, 2003 @ 10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Haitian American Foundation
Address: 5080 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33138
Topics: Breast Cancer & other Diseases affecting the Haitian Community

Friday- October 17, 2003 @ 10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Veye Yo
Address: 28 NW 54th Street Miami, FL 33137
Topics: Homeland Security (New Policies & New Laws)

Wednesday- October 29, 2003 @ 7pm – 9pm
Where: North Miami Adult Center
Address: 800 NE 137th Street North Miami, FL 33161
Topic: Immigration

Tuesday- November 25, 2003 @ 7pm – 9pm
Where: North Miami Adult Center
Address: 800 NE 137th Street North Miami, FL 33161
Topic: Preparing for the FCAT

Featured Town Hall Panelist & Speakers
Marie Estime-Thompson
Dr. Frantz Delva
Marie-Jose Ledan
Jacques Calixte
Attorney Andre Pierre
David Skoholt
Dr. Robert Ingram
Burt Charles
Andre Pierre

For Further Information Contact:

Nicole Carter (954) 364-6260