“Chain of Betters” makes the world better for
others by helping individuals realize their project ideas
Western Union announced today that its Chain of Betters
Competition, which funds projects that make lasting positive change
for individuals and communities around the world, has selected the
first 10 winners, and has expanded the program from 20 countries to
a total of 128 countries worldwide (listed here under the T&Cs
section).
More than 1,400 nominations from the first wave of 20 countries
have been received to date.
The Western Union® Chain of Betters Competition was designed to
kick start a chain of selfless good deeds by awarding US$1,000 (or
local currency equivalent) for project ideas nominated by
individuals who are entrusted with making the better happen. In the
first phase of the program, which was rolled out in 20 countries,
10 winners from across the Philippines, U.S., U.K. and Nigeria were
selected to receive this support for a wide range of
community-building projects from purchasing a power generator to
providing clean drinking water.
“Since the Chain of Betters Competition generated such a lot of
excitement and opportunity, we are confident that our significant
expansion of the initiative will effectively change the lives of
people from more parts of the world and make the world a better
place through these simple and effective ideas” said Western Union
Vice President Global Brand & Marketing, Simonetta Rigo.
“Western Union helps people move the money that creates an economic
ripple effect. When money moves, we know that lives are improved.
This program underscores the truth of this notion and our deep
appreciation for our customers and the people they help every day
through remittances.”
The first 10 winners (nominator’s home country after each name)
of Western Union’s Chain of Betters Competition are listed here by
the beneficiary country of their respective project ideas.
Cambodia
Sarah K. (U.S): The “Water for Life” project will provide clean
water to the remote village of Veal Veng. Currently, villagers in
this area do not have access to clean water beyond what they can
collect in clay pots during the rainy season and dirty stagnant
pools in the dry season.
Malawi
Patrick J. (U.K.): The “Free Children from Malaria” project will
provide the simple solution of mosquito nets to protect thousands
of lives in a country where most of its residents cannot afford
them.
Nigeria
Livingstone O. (Nigeria): “Laboratory Alive” will equip the
science laboratory in Ikotun Grammar School in Alimosho LCA, Lagos.
Basic tools, including Bunsen burners, conical flasks, test tubes,
etc., will help these students keep up with those around the world
in their studies in this important area.
Peru
Ana C., a Western Union employee (U.S): “Tech Lab for School”
will assist the organization Learning Goal to build classrooms and
schools in the poorest areas of the country. This would also
include giving students access to the world of knowledge available
on the Internet.
Philippines
Jeremiah D. (Philippines): The “Disaster Workshop and Equipment”
project will provide the indigent people of Tiwi, Albay, with
communications equipment, rescue materials and disaster
preparedness seminars in this area that is effected by 10-15
typhoons each year.
Venus P. (Philippines): “Water for Vegetable Farm” will create a
Microcontroller-Based Water Management System (a R & D project
by students in MSU-IIT) that will help women farmers augment their
income and give them more time with their children.
Karlo M. (Philippines): “Help the Aeta Kids Get a Chance at a
Better Education” will build a library for the Aeta Children of
Sitio Bagong Silang in San Pablo, Castillejos, Zambales, and
support ALS (Alternative Learning System) teachers to provide
mobile chalkboards and other materials in their outreach to Aeta
Kids in the mountain region.
Aquileta T. (Philippines): “Saludo GenSet – Portable Solar
Generator Set” will provide electricity and its many benefits to 16
million people in the Philippines. This gas-free source of
renewable energy will keep lights, phones, handheld radios for
disaster response, medical equipment and laptops powered on through
any situation.
Uganda
Nirvikalpini N. (U.K.): “Don’t Let Starlight School Go Down the
Toilet” will provide a toilet facility for the boys and girls of
Starlight Family school just outside of Kiboga. They are a
donation-funded school providing free education for up to 200
poverty stricken children that is in danger of being shut down for
lack of these facilities.
U.S.
Sue de L. (U.S): “Somos Humanos SATX” will assist the influx of
unaccompanied and undocumented children entering the U.S. seeking
refuge. Based in San Antonio, TX, this organization has partnered
with one of the largest holding facilities of undocumented minors
in the U.S. where volunteers offer support and companionship
through engaging and interactive activities.
Each winner will have three months from the date they receive an
award from Western Union to implement the programs they nominated.
More detail on each of these winning projects can be found
here.
Those who were awarded US$1,000 shared their enthusiasm as they
were informed of their projects having been selected:
- “Thank you so much for choosing me! I
am so happy and this is the best Christmas gift ever for me and my
poor community members,” said Jeremiah D. (Philippines).
- “This is fantastic news!!!! Thank you
so much and I can't wait to let the organization know!! This is
going to be a special year for them thanks to Western Union's
generosity!” said Sue de L. (U.S.)
Chain of Betters nominations can be made by legal residents over
the age of 18 in qualifying countries. The beneficiaries can be
located anywhere, worldwide.
NOTES TO EDITOR:
NOMINATION DETAILS
Nominations require a maximum 150-word description of how the
project would make the world a better place for others with
US$1000. Submissions will be judged based on the extent they
express a selfless good deed, bring positive and lasting change for
a number of people, have the potential to do something of value in
their community, inspire more people, serve others and make the
world a better place
Each entrant will also need to submit at least one photo of
himself or herself and a photo that illustrates their project idea,
and they can also add one additional photo or a short video of the
current situation or idea that will make the world better.
The winning entrants and their “betters” will be published on
the contest website, www.chainofbetters.com.
No purchase necessary. Enter at www.chainofbetters.com and tell
us how you would make the world a better place for others with
US$1,000 (or local currency equivalent) maximum of 150 words,
English only, plus a minimum of two images, one should illustrate
the idea behind your Better, the other should be of you. Prizes: 5
x US$1,000 for nominated project. Open to legal residents aged over
18 in participating countries. For a list of participating country
please go to www.chainofbetters.com/join and check the drop down
menu. Void where prohibited by law. Full terms and conditions can
be found at www.chainofbetters.com. Promoter: Western Union
Financial Services Inc. 12500 E. Belford Avenue, Englewood, CO USA.
Contact: Chain of Betters Promotion WURS UK Limited Level 1, 200
Hammersmith Road Hammersmith London, UK W6 7DL
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global
payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago
Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment
services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with
fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around
the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of
September 30, 2015, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta
branded services were offered through a combined network of over
500,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories and over
100,000 ATMs and kiosks, and included the capability to send money
to millions of bank accounts. In 2014, The Western Union Company
completed 255 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide,
moving $85 billion of principal between consumers, and 484 million
business payments. For more information, visit
www.westernunion.com.
WU-G
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