News from the Wire

First Data partners with Autism Speaks for World Autism Awareness Day

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 — 13:32:22 (EDT)

Atlanta, March 31, 2015– First Data Corporation, the global leader in payment technology and services solutions, and Gyft, First Data’s digital gift card platform for consumers and retailers that enables anyone to buy, send, store and redeem gift cards from any device, today announced a partnership with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day and each year Autism Speaks marks the day with a global campaign called Light It Up Blue. To support this important initiative, on April 2, all profits from gift cards sales on Gyft will be donated to Autism Speaks.

“As a business, we are committed to supporting our community. Partnering with an outstanding organization like Autism Speaks is the latest example of our commitment,” said Gyft co-founder and CEO Vinny Lingham. “I encourage everyone to buy a gift card through Gyft on April 2 to maximize the impact for this important cause.”

“We are grateful to First Data and Gyft for joining us to celebrate Light It Up Blue on April 2 through its digital gift card platform,” said Liz Feld, President, Autism Speaks. “By supporting our cause, First Data is joining a global effort to make a difference in the lives of countless families affected by autism.”

It’s easy for anyone to participate and help support autism awareness. Simply buy a gift card through the Gyft mobile app or website on April 2 from hundreds of popular retailers for yourself or send them to friends and family with a personalized message. 100% of the profits from gift card sales will be donated directly to Autism Speaks to support the Light It Up Blue campaign, which seeks to shine a light on the global autism community throughout Autism Awareness Month in April.

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder, affecting1 in 68 children in the U.S. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral changes, and repetitive behaviors.

Gyft is First Data’s digital gift card platform for consumers and retailers that enables consumers to buy, send, store and redeem gift cards conveniently from any device.

To learn more, visit www.gyft.com/autismspeaks and shop gift cards through Gyft on April 2.

About First Data

First Data is the global leader in payment technology and services solutions. With 23,000 owner-associates and operations in 34 countries, the company provides secure and innovative payment technology and services to more than six million merchants and financial institutions around the world, from small businesses to the world’s largest corporations. Today, businesses in nearly 70 countries trust First Data to secure and process over 2,000 financial transactions per second. First Data’s unparalleled infrastructure and partnerships go “beyond the transaction” with next-generation point-of-sale technology fueled by powerful analytics to detect fraud, gain insights into consumer spending, and strengthen customer loyalty. All day, every day, First Data helps its clients thrive in the evolving world of commerce.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org .

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Source: Company press release.