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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C)
November 19, 2007
Citi and Verizon Wireless Partner to Combat Domestic Violence
Citi New York Area Employees Donate More than 3,000 Phones to Support the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® Phone Recycling Program
New York Citi employees have answered the call to help survivors of domestic violence by donating 3,011 old mobile phones and other hand-held devices, plus 3,553 chargers and other accessories, to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® Phone Recycling Program. A three-week collection drive, aimed at recycling old devices, took place at Citi offices throughout the New York City area as part of Citi's new Sustainable IT Program. The drive culminated on Saturday, Nov. 17, during Citi's annual Global Community Day, when 29 employee volunteers prepared the devices for delivery to the Verizon Wireless National HopeLine® Program, in partnership with the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence.
The event was led by Citi CIO Marv Adams, who commented, "We are very proud to be able to make this important contribution to local agencies that combat domestic violence. As a technology organization, we are deeply committed to sustainable IT practices and lessening the impact our operations have on the environment. This event is special because we are reusing assets in a way that is good for the environment and importantly good for the community we live in. Citi is committed to making a difference in local communities, as shown by the volunteers who turned out today in Long Island City and the 58,000 who participated around the world at 1,000 Global Community Day projects."
A recognized corporate leader for its commitment to preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue, Verizon Wireless was the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and recycle old cell phones and has done so since January 1999. The wireless equipment is refurbished or recycled in an environmentally sound manner and the proceeds used to provide wireless phones and service and cash grants to local organizations and shelters that provide direct services to victims of domestic violence.
Nationally, the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program has collected nearly 4.2 million wireless phones, and given more than $4 million in cash grants and more than 45,000 phones with airtime to domestic violence prevention organizations.
"Verizon Wireless has been a steadfast supporter of New York City's efforts to connect domestic violence victims and their children with vital services through the New York City Family Justice Center," said Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Yolanda B. Jimenez. "The new partnership between Verizon Wireless HopeLine and Citi will continue to allow New Yorkers to contribute and raise awareness by donating their no-longer-used phones."
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Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi's major brands include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.
Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 63.7 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 67,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia .
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