Ottawa EMC: Ottawa ACORN calls for cap on money transfer chrarges
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- Published on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 16:05
Michelle Walrond said she's tired of paying high fees to send money to her family overseas.
The Ottawa resident and ACORN Canada member was among those who turned up for a rally to protest high fees outside the Money Mart on the corner of Bronson and Gladstone Avenues on Jan. 10.
"If you don't use the remittance system, you don't know," said Walrond, who was one of roughly 20 members who came out on the cold day to protest.
Some cars passing down Bronson Avenue honked in support as the organization held signs and marched to try and gain attention to the issue.
Walrond and the members of ACORN were calling on Western Union to cap their charges at five per cent. In addition to the rally, members from ACORN Canada are collecting signatures from across the country as part of a petition. If they reach 5,000 signatures, it will get sent to Western Union's chief executive in Colorado.
Western Union had yet to respond to a request for comment at press time.
Walrond said people who sent money to family overseas are struggling themselves, and are in a tough position because they have to send money to family who are also poor.
"People are dying and they need money," she said.
She said she hoped that remittance fees would soon be capped at five per cent.
According to ACORN Canada and ACORN International, the average remittance fee charged can be as high as 20 per cent. For more information on ACORN Canada, visit their website at: www.acorncanada.org .
Original Article available at: http://www.emcottawawest.ca/20120119/news/ACORN+Ottawa+calls+for+cap+on+money+transfer+charges
