Release #487-00

 

Contact:

Sunny Mindel / Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958

MAYOR GIULIANI AND MERRILL LYNCH WELCOME NEW YORK CITY
SENIOR CITIZENS TO MERRILL LYNCH'S CHRISTMAS CALLS 2000

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani along with Merrill Lynch Senior Vice President and General Counsel George A. Schieren, and Department for the Aging Commissioner Herbert W. Stupp today welcomed senior citizens from around New York City to Merrill Lynch's Christmas Calls 2000. The Mayor praised Merrill Lynch for its generous support of New York City's senior citizens and for hosting Christmas Calls 2000. This year thousands of New York City's senior citizens will be given the opportunity to call family and friends around the world for up to an hour on a Merrill Lynch office phone free of charge.

"I want to thank Merrill Lynch Chairman David Komansky and all the wonderful people at Merrill Lynch who, each year, have made the holiday season brighter for thousands of New York's senior citizens," said Mayor Giuliani. "Christmas Calls is a great program that allows our City's seniors to speak with loved ones across the country and around the world. This program is one through which all New Yorkers can learn the true meaning of the holiday season."

George Schieren, who also serves as Chairman of Christmas Calls 2000, said, "We are so pleased to be able to open our doors for the 21st year of Christmas Calls and share some joy with members of our community. Christmas Calls reflects the spirit of hundreds of Merrill Lynch employees around the globe who volunteer their time to this wonderful event."

"The Department for the Aging is pleased to help coordinate this annual tradition with the people of Merrill Lynch," said Commissioner Stupp. "This program brings joy and happiness to thousands of New York City's seniors and, through the good will of Merrill Lynch, thousands of our City's seniors are able to share and enjoy the holiday joy with loved ones around the globe on Christmas Day."

More than 500 volunteers, comprised of Merrill Lynch employees and their families, were on hand at the Merrill Lynch offices in the World Financial Center to assist over 2,000 New York City seniors in placing calls.

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