Product(RED): Raising funds for the Global Fund

What do Converse, Gap, Apple, and Motorola have in common? They all are partners in (RED), an initiative designed to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. And today, October 13, 2006, marks the official launch of (RED) in the United States.

Founded by U2 lead singer Bono and Bobby Shriver, Chairman of DATA in early 2006, (RED) has enlisted several corporate sponsors, most notably the companies listed earlier. Each of these companies has designed one or more special (RED) products. A portion of the profits from the sales of these products will go to the Global Fund. More information about (RED) can be found at www.joinred.com.

So as of today, you can purchase a Product (RED) t-shirt at the Gap, Product (RED) Chuck Taylors from Converse, a Product (RED) iPOD nano from Apple, and a Product (RED) RAZR phone from Motorola. Not only will you have some pretty cool accessories, but you also will be contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS and showing your support for this worthy cause.

Why should we do this? The (RED) Manifesto states it clearly and succinctly: “As first world consumers, we have tremendous power. What we collectively decide to buy, or not to buy, can change the course of life and history on this planet.” I hope you choose to buy (RED).