OREANDA-NEWS. The Western Union Company and the Western Union Foundation today announced a multi-faceted response involving Western Union employees, individuals, Agents, business customers and other business partners to provide support for families and communities most affected in Italy by this week’s earthquake.

The Western Union Foundation is committing an initial US$ 50,000 to Save the Children. From August 25, 2016 through September 09, the Foundation will also provide a dollar-for-dollar match of qualifying contributions from Western Union Agents, business customers and other business partners to NGOs providing disaster relief support in the impacted region. In addition, it will match employee donations 2:1 to NGOs providing disaster relief.

“We are committed to helping the communities we serve. Our thoughts are with the people of Italy,” said Giovanni Angelini, Senior Vice President, European Union. “In addition to the immediate response, we will be working with Western Union Agents, employees and non-profit partners to provide additional support for long-term initiatives that will help the area recover and rebuild.”

Western Union Foundation Chairman, John Dye, added, “Italy’s worst earthquake since 2009 has caused devastation with significant loss of life and damage to property. The Western Union Foundation is responding with support for relief efforts, helping address the most critical needs and help begin the long-term recovery process.”

Western Union has more than 450 operating Agent locations* in areas adjacent to the disaster area in the provinces of Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, L’Aquila, Perugia, Rieti, Teramo and Terni.