By Catie Ballenger, The American Red Cross
With support from incredible donors like Western Union and the Western Union Foundation, the American Red Cross is working to meet the needs of migrants, create more dialogues and interactions within countries and regions while providing education and collaboration opportunities.
This International Migrants Day, the American Red Cross and other organizations are calling on the international community to unite and commemorate the refugees and migrants who have disappeared or lost their lives while trying to reach safe harbor after difficult journeys.
In 2019, the number of migrants worldwide reached 272 million and 3,123 have gone missing or died. The Red Cross is dedicated to reconnected loved ones separated by international crises through the Restoring Family Links Program. In addition to reuniting loved ones, we provide millions of people around the world, humanitarian assistance every year, providing emergency shelter, food, first aid, cleanup kits and comfort in times of disaster.
Donors like the Western Union Foundation make this program possible. “We are grateful to have a partner that shares our mission of connecting loved ones,” said Gino Greco, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Colorado and Wyoming at The Red Cross. “We are proud to work alongside the Western Union Foundation in celebration of International Migrants Day and look forward to uniting more families.”
U.S. customers sending money through the Western Union mobile app this holiday season can click ‘donate to the WU Foundation before completing their money transfer. One hundred percent of donations made through the mobile app from Dec. 15, 2019 — Jan. 15. 2020 will go to the American Red Cross Restoring Family Links program and each in-app donation will unlock an additional $10 gift (up to $50,000) from the Foundation.