The FINANCIAL -- The Western Union Company, one of a leader in global payments, has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning artist, actor and author Common to launch today in New York City Western Union Thanks A Thousand, an online campaign to help consumers in the United States, Canada and Mexico share their stories of gratitude and love for family, loved ones and friends to say thank you, with a chance to win the equivalent of USD$1,000 every day through June 17.

The Western Union Thanks A Thousand campaign invites consumers to upload a personalized video, photograph, or brief essay to thank their mothers, families, loved ones and friends for being special in their lives. Consumers can submit entries via the smartphone accessible websites daily through June 17, 2012. According to Western Union, it will randomly select one winner per day starting April 17.

“I remember a time when I sent my grandmother money through Western Union so that she could take a trip to attend our family reunion,” Common said. “She had a beautiful and vibrant time and my heart was truly warmed because of it. Western Union is a resourceful vehicle and tool that has the ability to keep families and communities connected in times of need; in times of joy and in times of fellowship.”

Victoria López-Negrete, senior vice president and general manager, North America, Western Union, added, “Western Union is collaborating with Common because he recognizes the contributions his family has made in his life to help him succeed. Western Union continues to focus on Moving Money for Better around the world, and our Thanks A Thousand campaign allows consumers to share their appreciation for family, loved ones and friends no matter how far away they are or where they live.”

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