(BLOG) RED

Even More Love from Starbucks (PRODUCT) RED

2009-11-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

Starting today our friends at Starbucks will contribute $1 US to help fight AIDS in Africa & give you an exclusive holiday gift – the Starbucks & (RED) CD ‘All You Need Is Love’ - when you spend $15 or more. You’ll get exclusive tracks from Playing for Change, U2, Dave Matthews Band & John Legend. Available at participating Starbucks in US & Canada. Limited supplies – so get yours quick!

Find out more at www.StarbucksLoveProject.com. Create a ‘Love Drawing’ and Starbucks will make an additional 5 cents contribution to fighting AIDS in Africa (up to 1 million drawings).

That’s not all. There’s a new (STARBUCKS) RED Card this holiday with a mini-me version too. Each time you pay for your purchase with the Card through Dec 31st 2010, Starbucks will contribute 5 cents to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

Thank you. $140 million to Africa So Far.

2009-11-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

The latest numbers are in. (RED) partners and events have contributed $140 million to date to the Global Fund to fund HIV/AIDS programs in Africa.

Because of you, (RED) funds have supported programs that have reached more than 4 million people with testing, counseling and medication.

And to quote our CEO Susan Smith Ellis, the impact that you have when you buy (RED) ‘truly transforms lives as people gain access to medicine, regain strength and can return to being active children, parents, workers and community leaders.’

Here’s to the next $140 million….

WORLD AIDS DAY 2009. Giving More: Starbucks, Dell, Gap

2009-11-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

World AIDS Day is Dec 1 and this year, (RED) partners including Starbucks, Gap and Dell will make special increased contributions to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

STARBUCKS: Will contribute 5 cents/5p for every handcrafted beverage bought in US, Canada, UK & Ireland on Dec 1

GAP: Will contribute 1% of all revenue at participating US and Canada stores on Dec 1

DELL: Will be doubling their contributions on DELL (PRODUCT) RED™ products in US and Europe, Middle East, and Asia for the full week of Nov 26 to Dec 2

And as always Bugaboo will be contributing 1% of their total revenue to the Global Fund.

(PRODUCT) RED items are available in more than 60 countries – giving shoppers so many ways to give great gifts while giving back this holiday.

Give (RED). Save Lives.

(RED) Pop Up Shops Opening on World AIDS Day

2009-11-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

Ready to shop (RED) TM for the holidays? In addition to finding (RED) at all of our great partner retailers this holiday season, this December you can find an array of (PRODUCT) RED TM branded products under one roof at the (RED) pop up shops in London, Tokyo, San Francisco and New York. Stop by and pick up great gifts that give back from (RED) partners including Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, Gap, Hallmark, Starbucks and special editions Solange Azagury-Partridge, Girl Skateboard, Channel Islands Surfboards and Timbuk2. (Selection will vary by location). Hope to see you there!

Here are some pictures from last year’s (RED) pop up shop in NY:

(RED) Pop Up Store are located in Gap Flagship stores:
New York: The (RED) Store, 680 Fifth Avenue (at 54th St), NY, NY 10019, USA
View Map
Open Dec 1 – Jan 3

San Francisco: The (RED) Store, Flood Building, 890 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA
View Map
Open Dec 1 – Dec 14

Tokyo: GAP Flagship Harajuku, 1-14-27 Jingumae, Shibuya Ward, Tōkyō Metropolis, Japan
Open Dec 1 – Dec 25
View Map

London: The (RED) Store, 376-384 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1JY
View Map
Opens Dec 1

Check your local store for hours of operation.

(STARBUCKS) RED launch in the U.K. & Ireland: Watch the video.

2009-11-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

We love this video! It’s for the announcement of our (STARBUCKS) RED launch in the U.K & Ireland that happened this week. The (STARBUCKS) RED Card lets you turn ALL your purchases at Starbucks (RED). Every time you use your (STARBUCKS) RED Card in the U.K. and Ireland until 31st December 2010, Starbucks will contribute 5p/5 cents to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

The (STARBUCKS) RED range in the U.K. & Ireland:

(STARBUCKS)RED Card

Use your card to turn ALL your purchases at Starbucks (RED). Until 31st December 2010 Starbucks with contribute 5p/5c to the Global Fund.

Available: At participating Starbucks stores in the U.K. and Ireland.

Price: You decide how much money you want on the card. 5p/5cents contributed each time you use it.

(STARBUCKS)RED Tumbler

Make a difference for the environment and save money at the same time. Use the (STARBUCKS)RED Tumbler and get a 25p/25 cents discount too.

Available: At participating Starbucks stores in the U.K. and Ireland.

Price: £9.95/€12.00 with £3/€3 being contributed to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Fall Out Boy (RED)NIGHTS Video

2009-11-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

Pete Wentz we agree! With (RED) “You can be Bruce Wayne & Batman”. Check out this great video from their show and watch how you can channel your inner superhero.

For additional pictures and videos check out http://www.joinred.com/rednights/#concerts/night9

(STARBUCKS) RED – Now available in the UK & Ireland too

2009-11-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

Our favourite coffee brand in the U.K & Ireland has now turned (RED). And we couldn’t be more excited!

We’ve extended our partnership with Starbucks so that all of you who live in the U.K. & Ireland can now buy (STARBUCKS) RED too. There are two products to choose from, now available at participating stores in the UK and Ireland:

(STARBUCKS) RED Card

The (STARBUCKS) RED Card lets you turn ALL your purchases at Starbucks (RED). Every time you use your (STARBUCKS) RED Card in the U.K. and Ireland until 31st December 2010, Starbucks will contribute 5p/5 Euro cents to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. All those pennies add up and can make a real difference – especially as the medicine that’s needed only costs around 20p/ 20c a day per person.

Price: You decide how much money you want to load on the card. 5p/5c contributed each time you use it.

(STARBUCKS) RED Tumbler
Want to make a difference for the environment and save money at the same time? Use the (STARBUCKS) RED Tumbler and get a 25p/25c discount too.

Price: £9.95/€12.00 with £3/€3 being contributed to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

(STARBUCKS) RED items are now available in U.S., U.K., Ireland and Canada. Find your nearest Starbucks store and do something good everyday with (STARBUCKS) RED.

Dashboard Confessional Postpones North American Tour

2009-11-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

We’ve just heard from the Dashboard Confessional guys and unfortunately they’ve had a family situation and have had to cancel their North America Tour, including the two (RED)NIGHTS shows they were going to play. Here’s the statement from the band. Chris, John, Scott, Mike – we wish you the best and we’re thinking of you and your families.

“Dashboard Confessional will postpone their scheduled North American tour on behalf of their latest album “Alter the Ending”, due to a family issue within the band. “Due to a family situation that is beyond our control, we have to cancel our upcoming tour with New Found Glory, Never Shout Never, Meg & Dia and Single File. We don't take this lightly but family has to come first. As this is a last minute development, we are still figuring out what we will do- as soon as we know, you will know. We apologize to everyone who planned on coming to the shows. We will find a way to make it up to you.” Chris, John, Scott, Mike / Dashboard Confessional. The band is still performing with the Louisville Orchestra on Saturday, November 7th and plans to re-schedule the proper North American tour in 2010.”

Susan Smith Ellis’ Blog In Today’s HuffPost

2009-10-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

(RED) CEO, Susan Smith Ellis, has a blog featured in today’s Huffington Post. It’s called ‘One Step Closer to Universal AIDS Prevention and Care.’ Here’s an excerpt:

Here's some good news. A report issued this month by the World Health Organization, UNICEF and UNAIDS discussed the world's advance towards the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services by 2010. Remarkable progress has been made, the report said.

There are now more than 4 million people on antiretroviral treatments; up from 3 million the previous year. Nearly half of all HIV positive pregnant women who need treatment to help prevent the transmission of HIV to their child during birth are now getting it. And, there are more people with access to testing and counseling for HIV than ever before. The greatest progress has been achieved in sub-Saharan Africa.

Read more here.

Inspired by Mandela

2009-10-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

(RED) loves meeting up with old friends and last month in Kigali was no exception when we visited Rose again. She is looking terrific and thanks to the antiretroviral therapy she has been taking for around six years, Rose is strong and healthy and a leader in her community.

Rose was featured in our blog back in 2007 (read it here) and we re-cap, and update, some of her story here…

Rose learnt she was HIV-positive in 1997 and had to deal with her husband dying of AIDS that same year. She was left to raise their three children on her own and life was extremely hard – a matter of survival in fact.

Shortly after selling her car and parcel of land to maintain her family and buy the antiretroviral medicine* she needed to stay alive, Rose ran out of money. A civil servant in Kigali she was then forced to leave her job as she became too weak and too ill to work. Rose even thought of suicide.

This was all prior to 2004 when antiretroviral therapy became available free of charge to people living in Rwanda. Now, the Global Fund and (RED) help finance the purchase of this vital medicine there and tens of thousands of people in Rwanda are able to access the medicine they need as a direct result.

Five years later and Rose is doing great! She is a leader in her community representing and protecting the interests of HIV-positive people who are less fortunate or informed than she is. She also counsels people living with HIV.

Rose is curious about the world and would have loved the opportunity to attend university. Her favorite book is Nelson Mandela’s biography because she finds his perseverance and strength so inspiring.

Knowing the difficult times Rose has been through herself, it seems she too has an abundance of strength and perseverance.

*Antiretroviral medicine disrupt the action of HIV - it stops or interfere with the reproduction of virus in the body. The immune cells are then able to live longer and provide the body with protection.

(Rose in 2007. Photo Credit: The Global Fund)

(Rose in Rwanda 2009)

And the (RED)NIGHTS beat goes on…

2009-10-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

(RED)NIGHTS is our concert series that saves lives and now Wolfmother, The All-American Rejects, Dashboard Confessional and more are turning their shows (RED). Here’s the line-up:

Built to Spill @ the Fillmore, San Francisco on October 31st (buy tickets)

Built to Spill @ the Fillmore, San Francisco on November 1st (buy tickets)

Wolfmother @ the House of Blues, Boston on November 7th (buy tickets)

A Fine Frenzy @ the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco on November 12th (buy tickets)

The All-American Rejects @ the Tabernacle, Atlanta on November 22nd (buy tickets)

Wolfmother @ the Wiltern, Los Angeles on November 24th (buy tickets)

Brett Dennen @ the House of Blues, Chicago on November 28th (buy tickets)

Brett Dennen @ the Wiltern Los Angeles on December 12th (buy tickets)

So now these artists join the ranks of past (RED)NIGHTS shows by Katy Perry, Matisyahu and Fall Out Boy – to name just a few. (RED)NIGHTS is a concert series that saves lives, and a portion of the proceeds from each night go to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

U2 Live from the Rose Bowl!

2009-10-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

U2’s LA Concert is being streamed live on YouTube this Sunday/Monday (depending on where you are in the world!).

Millions of fans in 16 countries, including the U.K., the U.S., Australia and India can join the show.

We can’t wait.

Mark your calendars and tune in at www.youtube.com/u2

New Dell (PRODUCT) RED Laptop Designs

2009-10-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Need a new computer? Now Dell has even more ways for you to turn your Dell laptop (RED). Check out some of the great new designs by artists who have expressed their creativity and passion for (RED). Not only do we love the way the way they look but we also love that they help to eliminate AIDS in Africa!

Emil Kozak is a graphic designer from a small town in Denmark. He was inspired to take on graphic design as a result of his lifelong passion for skateboarding. The style is fresh and positive, but often with a message that digs deeper. Typographic, clean lines and few colors is often how Emil Kozak`s artwork is described. Yet, there is always an unexpected surprise: obscure references, playing with words, codes and hints. Emil designed several different lines of (PRODUCT) RED artwork, and here’s what he had to say about his ‘Grow Up’ concept:

Grow up is a series of illustrations depicting the process of plants growing up, from seedling, to sprout, to mature plant in bloom. Like the (RED) idea, the cycle repeating naturally.

Native of Finland, Klaus Haapaniemi has lived years in Italy and is currently living and working in London, UK as one of Britain’s leading fashion illustrators. This cultural diversity is reflected in the quality of Klaus Haapaniemi’s work, often drawing from history, nature and folklore to create iconic characters and unusual universes. Here’s what Klaus had to say about his (PRODUCT) RED season-inspired designs:

My work for (PRODUCT) RED is based on the simple idea that in each time of the year there should be a human thought for the people in need of urgent help. For Summer, red can be found in the flowers and bees. For Fall, red can be found in the clouds. I wanted to give the work a positive feel to complement the (PRODUCT) RED characteristics in a subtle way.

Andrew Lim is a Graphic Designer for Mother Design and Mother New York, working on branding and strategic design for a wide variety of companies. Here’s what Andrew had to say about his ‘Perception’ line of (PRODUCT) RED designs:

The maze-like pattern represents the HIV conundrum. The little pluses and minuses in this uniform and unending pattern speak to recognizing the problem and working towards a common solution, just how (PRODUCT) RED has create awareness and a sustainable flow of money from the private sector into the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Check out all of the Dell (PRODUCT) RED artwork here

Bono’s Op-Ed in the New York Times: Rebranding America

2009-10-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday’s edition of the New York Times, has an op-ed column from (RED)’s founder Bono. Called ‘Rebranding America,’ Bono highlights these 36 words from President Obama:

We will support the Millennium Development Goals, and approach next year’s summit with a global plan to make them a reality. And we will set our sights on the eradication of extreme poverty in our time.

Excerpts from the piece are below. You can read the full piece here.*

They’re not my words, they’re your president’s. If they’re not familiar, it’s because they didn’t make many headlines. But for me, these 36 words are why I believe Mr. Obama could well be a force for peace and prosperity — if the words signal action.

The millennium goals, for those of you who don’t know, are a persistent nag of a noble, global compact. They’re a set of commitments we all made nine years ago whose goal is to halve extreme poverty by 2015. Barack Obama wasn’t there in 2000, but he’s there now. Indeed he’s gone further — all the way, in fact. Halve it, he says, then end it.

Many have spoken about the need for a rebranding of America. Rebrand, restart, reboot. In my view these 36 words, alongside the administration’s approach to fighting nuclear proliferation and climate change, improving relations in the Middle East and, by the way, creating jobs and providing health care at home, are rebranding in action.

These new steps — and those 36 words — remind the world that America is not just a country but an idea, a great idea about opportunity for all and responsibility to your fellow man.

*registration may be required by NYT for viewing full article

Katy Perry (RED)NIGHTS Video

2009-10-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

We love this video of Katy Perry’s (RED)NIGHT. (RED)NIGHTS is a concert series that saves lives, with artists like O.A.R., Matisyahu, Fall Out Boy and more. It’s a great snapshot of Katy's (RED)NIGHT, you’ll feel just like you were there!

For additional pictures and videos check out http://www.joinred.com/rednights/#concerts/night5

(RED) Video on CNBC

2009-10-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Check out this great new video from CNBC showing how (RED) and the Global Fund are working on the ground in Africa. See what happens when you choose (RED). Thank you!

Bid on Scarlett Johansson's Signed Elephant - Proceeds go to the Global Fund Inspired by (RED)

2009-10-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

Celebrities including friend of (RED), Scarlett Johansson are helping out with Hasbro Inc’s PROJECT ZAMBI Celebrity Charity Auction which benefits organizations dedicated to the care of children orphaned by AIDS in Africa. The 10-day auction features some great custom designed collectable elephants, each signed by a participating celeb with proceeds going to the celeb’s organization of choice that supports children orphaned by AIDs in Africa. Scarlett has chosen for her elephant to benefit the Global Fund, the organization (RED) works with to put monies directly on the ground in Africa.

You can bid for Scarlett’s elephant here. Auction closes on October 15th.

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=project_zambi

O.A.R. (RED)NIGHTS Video

2009-10-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

We love this video of O.A.R.’s (RED)NIGHT. (RED)NIGHTS is a concert series that saves lives, with artists like Katy Perry, Matisyahu, Fall Out Boy and more. It’s a great snapshot of O.A.R.’s (RED)NIGHT, you’ll feel just like you were there!

For additional pictures and videos check out http://www.joinred.com/rednights/#concerts/night7

A (RED)NIGHT To Remember

2009-10-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

We’ve had so many incredible (RED)NIGHTS. Katy Perry, The Veronicas, Santigold, Matisyahu, Fall Out Boy, to name a few, but what can you say about a (RED)NIGHT that includes Bono, Gavin Friday, The Edge, Laurie Anderson, Larry Mullen Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Adam Clayton, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, a Virgin Prunes reunion and has a few surprises like Lou Reed and Lady GaGa? A lot actually.

Sunday’s (RED)NIGHT at Carnegie Hall in honor of Gavin Friday’s birthday was wild, surprising, campy and total rock n’ roll all at once. The night started off with a bang with all members from U2 on stage and one of the most incredible Irish artists - Gavin Friday, along with Flo & Eddie. They started the night off right with an incredible rendition of Children of a Revolution. A few more of my personal highlights were Courtney Love giving a heartfelt introduction to the reunion of the Virgin Prunes in over 20 years. The adorable Rufus Wainwright singing Mr. Pussy with Gavin and Scarlett. Then there was the tribute to Gavin and (RED) by Lady GaGa in the form of a sweet rendition of Poker Face that she wrote just for the occasion!! And an incredible version of The Last Song I’ll Ever Sing … by Bono. AND, of course, Joel Grey recreating his role from Cabaret! There were so many wild and crazy moments that I could go on and on…. You’re going to have to go check out (RED)NIGHTS for yourself. And look for more (REDNIGHTS in your area, it’s a concert series that saves lives. www.joinred.com/rednights

Read here for more on ‘Hal Willner Presents: An Evening With Gavin Friday and Friends’:

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/10/05/u2-join-lady-gaga-scarlett-johansson-and-more-for-gavin-friday-benefit-at-carnegie-hall/

http://www.spin.com/gallery/u2-lady-gaga-rock-nyc-benefit

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2009/10/gavin_friday_fr.html

Gomez (RED)NIGHTS Video

2009-10-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Check out an exclusive video from Gomez's (RED)NIGHTS show. (RED)NIGHTS is a concert series that saves lives.

Wish you had been at the concert? You can relive it here

Positively Inspiring!

2009-10-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Meet an inspiring young woman... 32 year old Keketso lives in Lesotho and is young, dynamic and a mother of two children. Her friends call her “Keke”.

Keke learnt that she was HIV positive in 2000 and in 2003 her first husband died of AIDS.

Despite this, Keke has been determined to show others, including her 13 year old son and ten year old daughter, that HIV need not stop anyone achieving amazing things. As an ‘Expert Patient’ at a local ARV center, Keketso now counsels and helps others who have HIV. In addition she regularly gives talks encouraging people of all ages to get tested and know their HIV status. Last November Keke even won the title of “Queen of Positive Living 2008”. Thanks to antiretroviral therapy which (RED) helps finance in Lesotho, Keke is well and leading a busy and very positive life

It’s not easy to be so open about being HIV positive but Keke is leading the way and reassuring people by her own dynamic presence that living with HIV shouldn’t stop people from living full and meaningful lives.

But why not hear more from Keke herself…

Keketso S.

As you may know, my name is Keketso. I am 32 years of age. I live in Mafeteng, Lesotho. I am a woman living with HIV. I was infected by my husband who died in 2003 with HIV related illnesses while working in South African mines. I discovered my HIV status in 2000.

I became very sick in early 2003, I had TB of the lungs, pneumonia and asthma. I was [so] skinny it hurt, [and I looked] like [a] skeleton. My CD4* count was only 2 and that means I had AIDS and I was losing the battle to HIV. I am now on ARVs* which I started in 2002 and I am on first line regiment. My CD4 count is 984 and I would like to say thanks to the ARVs.

I have two children – a boy and a girl. They are both HIV negative. I have a man of my dreams who is also HIV positive and we are getting married in September. We support each other and we want to save more lives. He is also on ARVs. I became a member of LENEPWHA* in 2005. I am a treasurer in the district executive committee.

I have won the Miss Positive Living trophy in November 2008.

I am now working in the ARV Centre called Karabong in Mafeteng as an Expert Patient. My job is to provide the health talk, adherence and positive living to the patients, and many other duties assigned to me from time to time. Stigma and discrimination is now not much because a lot is known about HIV.

I am really excited about my wedding coming up this month. My boyfriend is also HIV positive and on ARVs and we will support each other”.

Since providing this piece Keketso was married and we at (RED) wish her and her husband much happiness in their new life together.

*CD4 cells or T-cells are the cells that HIV attacks. In turn HIV weakens the immune system, making it unable to protect the body from illness and infection. The higher the number of CD4 cells the stronger your immune system.

*ARVs or antiretroviral drugs disrupt the action of HIV. ARVs stop or interfere with the reproduction of virus in the body. The immune cells are then able to live longer and provide the body with protection.

*LENEPWHA is the Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS

Keketso

Keketso, centre, after being crowned Miss Positive Living 2008

Queen of Positive Living Keke was radiant the night she won

Matisyahu (RED)NIGHTS video

2009-10-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Check out an exclusive video from Matisyahu (RED)NIGHTS show. (RED)NIGHTS is a concert series that saves lives.

Wish you had been at the concert? You can relive it here

Lisa Hannigan (RED)NIGHTS video

2009-10-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Check out an exclusive video from Lisa Hannigan’s (RED)NIGHTS show. (RED)NIGHTS is a concert series that saves lives.

Wish you had been at the concert? You can relive it here

The Veronica’s (RED)NIGHTS video

2009-10-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

Check out an exclusive video from The Veronica’s (RED)NIGHTS show. (RED)NIGHTS is a concert series that saves lives.

Wish you had been at the concert? You can relive it here

Global Rise of ARV Treatment

2009-10-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

This week the United Nations issued their progress report on universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, medicine and care. There has been incredible progress over the past year. A million more people gained access to antiretroviral treatment — which means there are 4 million people now on ARV treatment around the world. Also, nearly half of all HIV positive pregnant women who need treatment to help prevent the transmission of HIV to their babies during childbirth are getting it and in many countries the number of people who had access to basic HIV testing has more than doubled.

These are incredibly positive signs in our fight against AIDS and much of this progress has been made possible by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria — the organization that receives (RED)™ funds. The Global Fund, along with PEPFAR, are the largest funders of ARV treatment globally. And, (RED), because of you, is the largest corporate contributor to the Global Fund.

So, thank you! Thank you for helping to generate more than $135 million for the Global Fund to invest in this fight. 100% of the money that is sent to the Global Fund from our partner companies goes directly to Global Fund financed AIDS grants in Africa and increases access to prevention programs, testing, ARV treatment and support. As you can see, this is creating real results and making a big impact.

Read more about the recent progress report at what still needs to be done at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/world/01aids.html?scp=2&sq=AIDS&st=cse